BITS Pilani Receives $2 Million Alumni Donation for Sustainability, Scholarships

Alumni have contributed a total of $2 million to BITS Pilani. Alok Kothari, a 1988 graduate, and Usha Kumar, a 1967 graduate, have both contributed $2 million to the institute's $100 million endowment fund. These donations are intended to support PhD fellowships, scholarships for girls, and the creation of a Center of Excellence in Sustainability.

The first female contributor from BITS Pilani to donate $1 million was Usha Kumar, who is located in the UK. Her donation will help fund PhD fellowships and scholarships for girls. "We hope that our contribution will allow deserving and worthy children, particularly girls, to attend BITS Pilani and that the institute will continue to thrive in offering our youth exceptional education," Usha Kumar stated.

The establishment of the Center of Excellence in Sustainability will be made possible by the $1 million donation made by Alok Kothari, the founding executive of the unicorn company Netskope Inc. "Investing in a sustainability center of excellence is about developing leaders who are dedicated to preserving our world for coming generations, not merely about encouraging creative ideas. I anticipate that this center's staff and students will investigate sustainable practices and promote significant change both inside and outside of our communities.

This program exemplifies the principles of accountability, stewardship, and education that have been central to BITS's history. In order to inspire others to rethink our relationship with the environment and build a better, more sustainable future for everybody, I envision the CoE cultivating a culture of sustainability," Alok stated.

According to BITS Pilani, these alumni gifts highlight the expanding involvement of the institute's international alumni network. In recent years, the institute has received over $20 million in pledges and significant financial transfers, placing it in the top five nationwide for alumni contributions.