Kamakoti assumes charge as Director of IIT Madras

To focus on retaining IIT Madras’s position at the top of the rankings, striving to enhance the academic and research excellence of the institute

Prof. Kamakoti Veezhinathan took charge as the new Director of Indian Institute of Technology Madras today. Prof Kamakoti takes charge as Director from his predecessor, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, who has completed two terms as the Director of the Institute.

Prof. Kamakoti is a faculty in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Madras and also held the position of Associate Dean for Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR), IIT Madras. He holds numerous positions in various Government agencies and bodies including being a member of the National Security Advisory Board, Government of India.

Outlining his vision to retain the Institutes’ leadership position in National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) by the Ministry of Education, Prof. Kamakoti said, “My focus would be to retain IIT Madras at the top of the rankings, while constantly striving to enhance the academic and research excellence of the institute.”

Speaking about how IIT Madras would create a key impact nationally as well as in the State of Tamil Nadu, Prof. Kamakoti added, “With our cutting edge work in research and development, we will strive to engage more collaboratively with the Government - both at the Centre and the State - to make our work translational and relevant to address the needs of the nation and the State and its people, and contribute to the overall development. I am confident that we will take a positive leap forward with renewed vigour to achieve the goals set out for us as an ‘Institute of Eminence.”

Outlining his priorities for the institute in 2022 and beyond, Prof Kamakoti highlighted that his focus would be on enhancing the reach and impact of Online Education and Distance Learning and collaboratively working with the School Education Boards in further strengthening a holistic curriculum.

To focus on industry oriented MTech program for international students and increase of multidisciplinary quotient in curriculum with special emphasis on Languages, Philosophy, Art, Environmental and value-based education. Enhanced industry participation with increased adjunct and faculty-of-practice positions.

Speaking on how he would strengthen the already-strong research base of IIT Madras, Prof. Kamakoti added, “I look forward to expanding the frontiers of our research and innovation with our highly motivated and talented faculty and students, making IIT Madras a campus of choice for global and Indian faculty, students and industry.”

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