IIT Mandi Kicks Off Orientation for Undergraduate Class of 2024, Emphasizing Innovation and Societal Impact

3rd August 2024: Indian Institute of Technology Mandi welcomed the new undergraduate (UG) batch of 2024 during an orientation event held today, 3rd August 2024. Over 500 students from various parts of the country joined the 2024 batch, with more than 25% of them being female. Additionally, 21 preparatory students, including 13 male and 8 female, also attended the orientation event.
Welcoming the new students, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, remarked, “By joining the IIT Mandi community, you are now part of our nation’s hope for achieving greatness. History has demonstrated that our contributions to society define our legacy. As we embark on this journey toward a future where India is a developed country by 2047, remember that, our collective efforts will shape the destiny of this nation through hard work and honesty. Whether in technology, art, engineering, or sports, achieving excellence requires a unified approach.”

Prof. Behera added, “At IIT Mandi, you have access to premier facilities such as the Centre for Quantum Science and Technologies, the Centre for Design & Fabrication of Electronic Devices, the Advanced Materials Research Centre, the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, the Centre for Human-Computer Interaction, and the Centre for Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications. These state-of-the-art resources are here to support your exploration and contributions to society. Our curriculum, grounded in a learning-by-doing philosophy, ensures that you gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. Congratulations on joining IIT Mandi. We are committed to providing you with the knowledge and guidance needed to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

The Institute introduced the students to the Induction program, which provided them with an overview of the academic environment and expectations. This faculty-mentored induction program is designed to aid the students’ transition from school to college, enhance their skills and proficiency, and emphasize the societal impact of engineering.

Highlighting the unique aspects of IIT Mandi’s curriculum, Prof. Aniruddha Chakraborty, Dean, Academics, IIT Mandi, stated, “Our educational approach is rooted in fostering creativity and critical thinking. We encourage students to explore a wide array of disciplines and to collaborate across fields, promoting a culture of innovation. Our curriculum includes unique courses and hands-on projects that challenge students to think beyond textbooks and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. We believe this holistic education not only nurtures academic excellence but also equips our students with the skills to become leaders and innovators who can make a significant impact on society.”
IIT Mandi offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs designed to provide a solid foundation in engineering, management, science, and technology. The institute emphasizes a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to education, fostering innovation and practical problem-solving skills. Students will pursue four-year B.Tech degrees in various disciplines, including Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Physics, General Engineering, Bioengineering, Microelectronics & VLSI, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematics and Computing, and Data Science, along with a four-year B.S. in Chemical Sciences. Additionally, a five-year integrated MBA (BBA Analytics (Honors) and MBA in Data Science & AI) are also being offered starting this batch.
A unique aspect of IIT Mandi’s undergraduate education is its emphasis on societal connections through courses like foundations of design practicum, reverse engineering and the Interactive Socio-Technical Practicum (ISTP), which encourage students to apply their engineering skills to real-world challenges
Speaking about the holistic growth opportunities at IIT Mandi, Dr. Tushar Jain, Dean, Students, commented, “As you embark on your college journey at IIT Mandi, this marks the first step towards becoming disciplined and responsible individuals who make meaningful contributions to society. The time you spend here is crucial for your personal growth and career development. We encourage every student to focus on holistic development, balancing academics with participation in sports and extracurricular activities. This well-rounded approach is essential for building a strong foundation for your future.”
The one-week induction program at IIT Mandi aims to facilitate a smooth transition for the new batch, preparing them to actively engage in a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. A key highlight of the program is its focus on the holistic development of students. They will participate in various sessions, including yoga, a trek to Kandi Peak, a nature walk on Arnehar Road, and a freshers’ athletics meet, among other events. Additionally, a session by the Art of Living team will be conducted for the students to help them manage stress and improve their overall well-being.
Simultaneously, the orientation program will cover key topics such as anti-ragging, drug abuse prevention, cybersecurity, gender sensitization, and clinical hypnotherapy for ego strengthening and self-esteem. Insights will be provided by senior government officials, including:
⮚ Sh. Vasu Doegar, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mandi
⮚ Sh. K. C. Jain (IRS), Retired IRS Officer of Rajasthan Cadre
⮚ Dr. Seema Kashyap, Associate Professor of Law, University Institute of Legal Studies, H. P. University, Shimla
⮚ Dr. K.B. Gokulachandran, Superintendent of Police, Kullu
⮚ Sh. Varun Upadhyay, Regional Director, Institution Programs, The Art of Living
With enthusiasm, IIT Mandi welcomes the new batch of undergraduate students and wishes them a successful and enriching academic journey ahead.