Jawaharlal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India, in the first convocation address of IIT Kharagpur in 1956 said: “Here in the place of that Hijli Detention Camp stands the fine monument of India, representing India's urges, India's future in the making. This picture seems to me symbolical of the changes that are coming to India.”
The first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) was founded in May 1950. The first Indian Institute of Management (IIM) was established in 1961 in Calcutta (now Kolkata) as IIM Calcutta. These institutions were remarked as institutes of national importance by Nehru.
At present, there are a total of 23 IITs and 20 IIMs in the country that are functional. The UK is home to many such alumni of IIT and IIM who hold prestigious positions. Asian Voice spoke to IIT and IIM graduates in the UK to learn more about their perspective on their alma mater(s) and how they contribute to Britain differently.
Brij Kumar* who came to London more than a decade ago and works for a leading investment bank, said, “During my time here, I have seen many grads from premier Indian institutes (IIT/IIM) come to the UK. These grads have already gone through a fairly rigorous process both while getting into the college and even while at the college competing with the best within the country. Many grads from these institutes have left an indelible mark during their careers here in the UK and hence these institutes have a brand recognition exemplified by these shining stars.”
Brij Kumar suspects that with Brexit, the India-UK ties will become all the more important as the UK distances itself from the EU and looks to forge stronger relationships with the rest of the world. He said, “There might be a void created with EU grads possibly preferring to stay back in continental mainland rather than travel to the UK, which can be filled with more grads coming in from India. In all, I believe Indian grads from IIT/IIM will continue to help forge a strong bond between the two countries and benefit both economies all the while creating a positive image for India.”
Vikram Balan, an alumnus of the institutes who resides in the UK, told Asian Voice, “Graduates from the IITs and IIMs are in most sectors in the UK, across the public/private sectors and self-run businesses. Alumni of these institutes have been moving cross-borders for decades now, not just across UK/India, but worldwide, in their pursuit of professional excellence. And this is seen by way of a professional work ethic they bring to their respective organisations. The alumni have played pivotal roles in generating employment opportunities, strengthening UK-India business ties, cultural exchanges as well as contributions towards charitable initiatives - both in personal capacity as well as organised alumni association chapters.”
Another product of IIT and IIM, Shantanu* reiterated the traits that make the graduates stand out amongst those in the UK. He said, “A few common traits [IQ excluded] amongst these alumni is rooted in the innate competitiveness of getting into these institutions and thriving amidst pressure throughout and that the majority of them come from average middle class Indian families. This kind of upbringing and exposure right from one's impressionable years moulds their character to set high goals in life, persevere intelligently and thrive under pressure to achieve them. This gets reflected in their work etiquette and foundations of their businesses.”
*(name changed on request)
