The alumni of the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, have demanded to name the institute after former CM Biju Patnaik.
Briefing to media, former Executive Director, Rourkela Steel Plant and founder president of NIT, Rourkela Alumni Association (NITRAA) Bharat Bhusan Mohanty said it was Bijubabu who was instrumental in the establishment of the REC Rourkela with 250 BTech students in five
streams.
Later, it was upgraded to an NIT in 2002 with more than 20 departments of B Tech, M Tech and research students of about 10,000. Now among 31 NITs of the country, NIT, Rourkela has a special identity. It is ranked between 801-1,000 in the World University, between 271-280 in QS World University – ASIA Ranking, 24 in NIRF Research, 15 in NIRF Engineering and 39 in NIRF overall. Besides, Higher Education World University Ranking 2023 has placed NITR at 1,000-1,200, he informed.
So, when many RECs / NITs established by the Centre named after illustrious sons of India, the NITR should be named after Biju, appealed Mohanty.
Among others, former president of NITRAA, Rotary Governor FC Mohanty and former president, RSP Executive Association Bimal Bisi were present. Very soon in this regard an appeal will be made to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Union Education Minister, said Bisi.