IIT-Mandi welcomes 500 undergraduate students

Tribune News Service

Mandi, August 4
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi, kicked off its orientation for the undergraduate classes of 2024 yesterday.
Over 500 students from across India, with more than 25 per cent being female, joined the institution.
Twenty-one preparatory students also participated in the event. Addressing the new students, IIT-Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera said, “By joining the IIT-Mandi community, you are now part of our nation’s hope for achieving greatness. 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.”
Behera highlighted the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Centre for Quantum Science and Technologies, Centre for Design and Fabrication of Electronic Devices and the Advanced Materials Research Centre.
He emphasised the institute’s commitment to providing practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge through a learning-by-doing curriculum.
The orientation included an introduction to IIT-Mandi’s induction programme, which aims to ease the transition from school to college, enhance students’ skills and underscore the societal impact of engineering.
Dean of Academics Aniruddha Chakraborty talked about the unique aspects of the curriculum, stating that it fostered creativity and critical thinking.
Dean of Students Tushar Jain spoke about the holistic growth opportunities at IIT-Mandi. The one-week induction programme includes a variety of activities aimed at facilitating a smooth transition for the new students.
These activities include yoga, a trek to Kandi Peak, a nature walk on Arnehar Road and a freshers’ athletics meet.
The programme will also cover important topics such as anti-ragging, drug abuse prevention, cybersecurity, gender sensitisation and clinical hypnotherapy.