Infosys co-founder and non-executive chairman Nandan Nilekani has marked 50 years of his association with the Indian Institute of Bombay (IIT-B) in stellar fashion.

The renowned businessman donated Rs 315 crore to his alma mater, making it the largest donation ever made by an alumnus of an educational institute. In the past, Nilekani has also contributed Rs 85 crore towards the institution's development, bringing the total sum of donation to Rs 400 crore.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formally signed between Nilekani and IIT Bombay director Prof Subhasis Chaudhuri.

Nilekani had joined the institute in 1973 for a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.

The public relations wing of the institute issued a statement and said that the funds will be used to promote world-class infrastructure, improve the quality of research in the engineering and technology domain and also facilitate a startup ecosystem at the institute.

Praising Nilekani's contribution, Prof Chaudhuri said, "We are extremely delighted to see our illustrious alumnus Nandan Nilekani continuing his foundational and pioneering contributions to the Institute. This historic donation will significantly accelerate the growth of IIT Bombay and will firmly set it on a path of global leadership. IIT Bombay is committed to building research and academic excellence that can make India a leader in scientific discovery and its translation towards solving the pressing challenges facing humankind. Nandan’s contribution will catalyse philanthropic contributions towards advancing research & development at universities in India."

Nilekani, who has always been involved with the institute in some capacity or the other, didn't fall short of heaping praise on the institution. He said, "IIT Bombay has been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my formative years and laying the foundation for my journey. As I celebrate 50 years of my association with this esteemed Institution, I am grateful to give forward and contribute to its future. This donation is more than just a financial contribution; it is a tribute to the place that has given me so much and a commitment to the students who will shape our world tomorrow.”

Here are some of the positions Nilekani has held in the past:

1) Board member of the IIT Bombay Heritage Foundation from 1999 to 2009

2) Part of the Board of Governors from 2005 to 2011

Among his other achievements, he was also conferred with the prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1999, and an Honorary Doctorate in 2019 at the 57th convocation of the institute.