GUWAHATI: Prof. Devendra Jalihal has assumed the role of Director at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, succeeding Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, who held the additional charge since November 2023.
In his inaugural statement, Prof. Devendra Jalihal expressed his honour upon assuming the position.
“IIT Guwahati ranks among the top 10 by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings and is 32nd in QS world rankings; it’s a prestigious institution. As the sole IIT in the Northeast, the institute will work to fulfil the aspirations of all stakeholders,” he said.
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Prof. Jalihal also shared plans for the institute’s involvement in the Semiconductor Plant being built in Jagiroad, Morigaon.
“With the Tata-sponsored Semiconductor testing and packaging industry coming to Guwahati, IIT Guwahati is poised to lead the technological advancement of the region,” he added.
The foundation stone for the region’s largest private investment project, worth Rs 27,000 crore, was virtually laid on March 13.
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Previously a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras, Prof. Jalihal holds a BTech. (Hons) degree from IIT Kharagpur in 1983 and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Duke University, Durham, USA, in 1992.
Prof. Jalihal’s collaborates with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on strategic communication challenges and has worked in a slew of successful projects, including satellite communication networks.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu took to social media to extend his congratulations to the new Director and wish him success.
“Heartiest congratulations to Prof. Devendra Jalihal on assuming charge as Director of (IIT Guwahati)… My best wishes for a fruitful tenure ahead,” he wrote.
