by Prof. S.L.N. Murthy _______________________________________________________________

February 4, 1999

Dear Friends,

Let me begin by wishing all of you a very successful, satisfying and rewarding 1999.

As we look back on the year just gone by, we are filled with a deep sense of satisfaction over the recognition the Institute achieved during 1998. On all counts - be it in terms of the quality of education offered, or the quantum and impact of research, or the enthusiasm and commitment of its Alumni towards their Alma mater - we have clearly surged ahead, to occupy the leading position.

The Institute's near total domination in swimming events and in inter IIT sports, and the successes of Mood Indigo and (the experimental) Techfest have provided another dimension to the achievements and recognition. The Alumni day and the batch of 1973 reunion were highly successful events. Undoubtedly, the land mark event of 1998 was the flying start given to the School of Information Technology. Besides these, the Institute received significant funding for establishing a Centre for Aerospace Systems Design and Engineering, and, a pilot experimental facility for thermal hydraulic instability studies in boiling systems.

The most notable fall outs of efforts initiated during the previous year will be the Masters' degree programme in Information Technology, and a post-graduate diploma programme for working professionals. This year, the School of Management is doubling its intake in the Master's programme, besides starting a Masters' programme for working professionals, run on weekends.

As we look forward to consolidation of our position of primacy, and growth in key areas, we need to address some emerging concerns. The undergraduate student inputs to IIT Bombay continue to be of the highest quality, but the major metros domination as well as (relative) family affluence are clearly on the wane. It might soon turn out that even the modest tution fees charged could generate affordability problems to twenty-five to thirty percent of the students. Several proposals are being examined, and we need to converge soon on a couple of feasible solutions.

A second major challenge ahead of us concerns the continuous modernization and upgradation of teaching laboratories. The departments are deep in the 'thought mode' on this issue, and we will have to initiate concrete steps very soon - if we are to retain and enhance our quality of education - and actively seek funding from a number of sources. These new challenges, besides other identified ones such as infrastructure, will keep us on our toes, and one cannot see many dull days ahead!! We are sure that with the level enthusiasm and collective efforts which are emerging, "we shall overcome", and march ahead.

With best wishes in all your efforts,

Yours sincerely,

S.L. Narayana Murthy
Dean (Resource Development)
IIT Bombay