by Ram V. Kelkar (B. Tech. (EE) 80 / H2)

I am delighted to report that we have an excellent chance of not only meeting this goal but far exceeding it. The IIT Bombay Heritage Fund has received several significant commitments from alumni and is now undertaking a major fundraising drive to end 1998 on a high note. What is necessary to have a breakthrough this year is an effort from each and every one of you reading this page to pitch in and help ...

I think it would be fair to say that 1998 was a seminal year for the IIT Bombay Heritage Fund and for Alumni Activities ... indeed for IIT Bombay itself.  We now have over 50-60 active volunteers busy on various tasks such as creating fundraising brochures, organizing events, meeting with alumni, building and enhancing the alumni database and doing all the other work needed to build an organization. A major event is planned in the San Francisco Bay Area on November 8th, where an announcement of a major donation from a distinguished alumnus will be announced to be followed by a major fundraising effort for the year end.

1998 is also significant for us from my perspective since many IITians from the 1960s and 1970s, and some from the 1980s too, have finally made it to the very top in their chosen fields of endeavor. In companies ranging from hi-tech to academics to industry to finance to management consulting, IITians have reached positions of prominence to the point that it has attracted the attention of the international press, and that of senior decision makers and recruiters at companies across the world.

The successes are a proof of what we all knew in our hearts as we think about our unique experiences in Powai ... that we had the privilege and the fortune to have spent our formative years in the company of many extraordinary young people representing the very best of India's schools. And that experience has helped us become successful in our own lives.

I will end by appealing as usual to all of you to stop and think about how you can help the institution that has given so much to you ... even $100 from each of us per year could easily raise over $200-250,000 if we also ensure that our employers match the contributions. Please take a moment to send in your tax deductible contributions to the IIT Bombay Heritage Fund. All it takes is a check and a first-class stamp ... the address is Treasurer, IIT Bombay Heritage Fund, 10489 Rampart Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014.