At the heart of my vision as Dean lies the nurturing, cultivation, and strengthening of the sacred bond between the National Institute of Technology Srinagar (erstwhile REC Srinagar) and its esteemed alumni and well-wishers. I believe that with your support, we can advance the institute’s key strategic priorities—whether it is the establishment of world-class research centers (inspired by models such as the Research Park at IIT Madras) or the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure in emerging domains of science and technology.

As an institution, we aim to introduce interdisciplinary courses aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing our collective responsibility to care for Mother Earth. The modern world poses multifaceted challenges, and we must equip our young generation with the wisdom, courage, and sincerity to face them. It is our shared obligation to ensure they are ready for the future

Our illustrious alumni, spread across the globe, can contribute in meaningful ways to the academic mission of their alma mater—by teaching short-term courses, collaborating on real-world research, or serving as adjunct faculty. This opportunity is open and available to you. Globally, institutions have successfully leveraged their alumni networks to update curricula, enhance faculty development, and launch global academic collaborations—all of which are pressing needs today

With the renewed national emphasis on the internationalization of higher education, as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), we are planning to establish the Alumni Bridge Center (ABC) in the proposed new campus at Pulwama—a dream project awaiting visionary leadership and philanthropic vision.

No institution today can thrive without a vibrant and engaged alumni network. This has been a concern for us, and I am pleased to share that a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy is now being developed. It will become a central institutional priority and will require the active involvement of all stakeholders, including you. The public image of NIT Srinagar is deeply shaped by its alumni, whose character, service, and integrity represent our most valuable legacy.

There are many ways alumni can contribute—such as funding scholarships and fellowships, especially for deserving students in financial need. These acts of generosity are transformative. Who among us will take up this noble cause? Others may choose to establish endowment funds, like Alferd did, to provide sustainable recognition for the best teachers and researchers of this institution. Recently, faculty members like Dr. Fatima Jalid and Dr. Majid were honored nationally. Additionally, several of our researchers are ranked in the top 2% globally, according to Stanford University metrics.

However, our long-held dream of instituting “Best Faculty & Student Awards” on Teacher’s Day remains unrealized due to a lack of dedicated funding. Imagine the impact if we were able to support short-term courses in cutting-edge fields such as Space Science, Cybersecurity, Semiconductors, Quantum Information, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, and Nanotechnology. Even a one-credit weekend engagement from you could plant the seed for monumental change.

We truly value your engagement and look forward to your contributions to these and other initiatives. A dedicated team is working diligently to reconnect with alumni worldwide, foster international partnerships, and strengthen the emotional and intellectual bridge between you and your alma mater.

To further this mission, we are also initiating regional and international alumni chapters (ABC Chapters), as originally envisioned by Prof. Rajat Gupta and Prof. Sehgal. These chapters will build stronger communities, support professional networking, and amplify the institute’s global presence. When engaged effectively, alumni are not only our ambassadors—they are co-creators of our global future.

The foremost responsibility of this office is to develop and sustain a robust, lifelong network connecting the alumni, faculty, students, and staff of NIT Srinagar. We are committed to building a culture that inspires alumni to remain involved and give back—academically, intellectually, and emotionally. You are the reflection of our past, the voice of our present, and the bridge to our future.

We deeply appreciate your contributions and assure you that your connection with NIT Srinagar will always be cherished. If there have been any shortcomings in the past in your interactions with the institute, I sincerely apologize. Let us now work together to build the future we all aspire to.

Prof. (Dr.) M A Shah, Dean Alumni & International Affairs.