Manindra Agrawal Takes Charge as IIT Kanpur Director, Vows to Lead Alma Mater to Greater Glory

IIT Kanpur: Prof. Manindra Agrawal, upon assuming charges as the Director, declares Institution as his 'First Home’

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, a noted figure in the realm of computer science and a member of the IIT Kanpur community, has taken the reins as the Director. With a tenure spanning over four decades, Prof. Agrawal's journey has come full circle as he ascends to lead his alma mater into a new era of academic excellence and innovation.

In a heartfelt message shared upon assuming office, Prof. Agrawal reminisced about his early days on the campus, tracing back to 1982 when he embarked on his undergraduate studies in the Department of Computer Science. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to leverage the support of the entire IIT Kanpur community to propel the institute to greater heights.

Prof Agarwal writes: “My life on campus started in 1982 when I joined the Department of Computer Science for my undergraduate studies. I can still vividly recall my first day on the campus, and the journey of more than four decades continues!” 

Prof Agarwal writes: “I earnestly look forward to the support of the entire IIT Kanpur community in taking the institute to further heights in the upcoming days.” 

‘IIT Kanpur is my first home’

“Yesterday, I took charge as the Director IIT Kanpur from Prof. S. Ganesh. It is a momentous day for me to assume charge of my alma mater. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Prof. Ganesh, the outgoing Director,” said Director IIT Kanpur in a series of Tweets.

He further added that it is said that your alma mater is your second home, but IIT Kanpur is my first home! Starting from undergraduate studies to PhD, I have been an IIT Kanpur student and joined IIT Kanpur as a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in 1996.

Transitioning from the esteemed N. Rama Rao Chair Professorship in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering to the helm of directorship, Prof. Agrawal brings with him a wealth of experience and a sterling record of scholarly achievements. His appointment underscores a deep-rooted commitment to fostering academic rigor and nurturing talent within the institution.

The baton of leadership was ceremoniously passed from Prof. S. Ganesh to Prof. Agrawal, marking a momentous occasion in the annals of IIT Kanpur's history. Prof. Agrawal expressed gratitude to his predecessor and emphasized the profound bond he shares with his alma mater, referring to IIT Kanpur not just as a second home but as his first.

Prof. Agrawal's illustrious career trajectory, marked by seminal contributions to computational theory, including the groundbreaking AKS primality test, positions him as a beacon of academic prowess and innovation. From his humble beginnings as a bright student to his current role as the Director of IIT Kanpur, Prof. Agrawal epitomizes the spirit of academic excellence and serves as an inspiration to future generations of scholars.

As he embarks on this new chapter, Prof. Agrawal's leadership promises to usher in a transformative era for IIT Kanpur, solidifying its position as a premier institution of higher learning and research on the global stage.

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