Mumbai, Feb 4 (PTI) – The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT B) has announced that its 1974 alumni have launched an ambitious project aimed at providing innovative, climate-resilient, and sustainable housing for underserved communities across India.
Named HEARTS'74 (Habitat for Everyone: Affordable, Resilient, Transformative, and Sustainable), the initiative is described as a legacy project from the 1974 batch. In a statement, the institute emphasized that this project is a testament to the enduring impact of IIT Bombay alumni on societal issues.
Prof. Ravindra Gudi, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations (ACR) at IIT Bombay, praised the alumni for their contribution, saying, “At IIT Bombay, we take great pride in the impact our alumni make on society. The HEARTS'74 initiative by the Class of 1974 is a powerful example of this, aiming to revolutionize affordable, resilient, and sustainable housing for underserved communities across rural India. This project reflects the shared commitment with our alumni to addressing critical challenges through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a better future.”
The initiative will focus on using environmentally friendly, locally available materials to build housing. It will also emphasize building local capacities to create long-term livelihood opportunities for rural communities, aligning with the project’s goal of sustainability and self-reliance.
To fund the project, the 1974 batch has pledged a total of Rs 14 crore to IIT Bombay, of which Rs 10 crore has already been raised. Notably, Rs 8 crore of this amount is dedicated specifically to supporting the HEARTS'74 project.
Raj Melville, an alumnus from the 1974 batch, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “The role of alumni in supporting their alma mater is pivotal to the growth and prosperity of both the institution and the communities we serve. This initiative is a reflection of our collective responsibility to give back to society, and we are proud to leverage our IIT Bombay education to drive this critical mission forward. HEARTS'74 is not just about providing homes. It’s about creating a sustainable future for those who need it the most.”
The HEARTS'74 initiative is poised to make a lasting difference in India’s rural housing sector by focusing on sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment.
Named HEARTS'74 (Habitat for Everyone: Affordable, Resilient, Transformative, and Sustainable), the initiative is described as a legacy project from the 1974 batch. In a statement, the institute emphasized that this project is a testament to the enduring impact of IIT Bombay alumni on societal issues.
Prof. Ravindra Gudi, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations (ACR) at IIT Bombay, praised the alumni for their contribution, saying, “At IIT Bombay, we take great pride in the impact our alumni make on society. The HEARTS'74 initiative by the Class of 1974 is a powerful example of this, aiming to revolutionize affordable, resilient, and sustainable housing for underserved communities across rural India. This project reflects the shared commitment with our alumni to addressing critical challenges through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a better future.”
The initiative will focus on using environmentally friendly, locally available materials to build housing. It will also emphasize building local capacities to create long-term livelihood opportunities for rural communities, aligning with the project’s goal of sustainability and self-reliance.
To fund the project, the 1974 batch has pledged a total of Rs 14 crore to IIT Bombay, of which Rs 10 crore has already been raised. Notably, Rs 8 crore of this amount is dedicated specifically to supporting the HEARTS'74 project.
Raj Melville, an alumnus from the 1974 batch, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “The role of alumni in supporting their alma mater is pivotal to the growth and prosperity of both the institution and the communities we serve. This initiative is a reflection of our collective responsibility to give back to society, and we are proud to leverage our IIT Bombay education to drive this critical mission forward. HEARTS'74 is not just about providing homes. It’s about creating a sustainable future for those who need it the most.”
The HEARTS'74 initiative is poised to make a lasting difference in India’s rural housing sector by focusing on sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment.
