A number of former Jadavpur University students in the US who have been raising funds to support their cash-strapped alma mater used Durga Puja in two places of that country to raise resources for the institution.

The California-based Global Jadavpur University Alumni Foundation set up its banner in the Bay Area in California and Seattle, Washington, to attract many former students to its cause.

The foundation, which contributed $100,000 over the past two years to help the university develop its laboratories, is looking forward to raising $50,000 in the next two to three months, said Ranjit Chakravorti, the president of the association.

“Excited to share that the Global Jadavpur University Alumni Foundation (GJUAF) showcased its standee at the vibrant Prabasi Durga Puja celebrations in the San Francisco Bay Area! The event served as a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for various initiatives supporting Jadavpur University.... Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about our projects and contributed to our cause. Together, let’s continue making a difference for Jadavpur University!” reads a message posted on October 18 on the foundation’s Facebook page.

Chakravorti, who graduated from JU in 1961 in chemical engineering, said they extended their fund-raising drive to the Puja gatherings because a lot of former JU students come together on the festive occasion.

“Banners bearing the name of the foundation — and ‘Building Today for JU Tomorrow’ and ‘Your Generosity Elevates Jadavpur University’ written on them — were placed in two pujas,” said Chakravorti, who did his MTech from IIT Kharagpur.

“Prabasi Durga Puja celebrations in the San Francisco Bay Area witnessed a gathering of at least 10,000 people. Many former students (of JU) who were in attendance registered with the platform afresh.”

Chakravorti said the foundation was looking forward to “generous support” from the alumni for JU, which is encountering a funds crunch owing to depleting support from the central and state governments.

Metro reported on September 29 that the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has said the financial constraints JU is facing are affecting its infrastructure development and maintenance.

Chakravorti, of GJUAF, said one of the projects for which they want to raise funds is the development of the Integrated Circuit Centre of Excellence, which is part of JU’s electronics and telecommunication engineering (ETCE) department.

“A university can grow only when it excels in new-age areas. But this needs financial support. We stepped in to support as much as possible because JU does not have any resources to undertake such an ambitious programme,” Chakravorti said.