THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
MARCH 18, 2026
Indian Institute of
Technology Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with UltraTech Cement Limited,
successfully hosted ‘Aspire’, a unique outreach and engagement initiative aimed
at fostering knowledge exchange and expanding access to institutional expertise
for aspiring youth from the construction fraternity.
Held on March 17,
2026, the programme sought to inspire and empower participants to envision
pathways to premier institutions through guided interaction, exposure, and
mentorship. Around 50 students studying in Classes 9 to 12, along with their
guardians, visited the IIT Bhubaneswar campus, gaining firsthand exposure to
its academic ecosystem.
The programme
commenced with a formal inaugural session featuring context setting, ceremonial
lamp lighting, and addresses by distinguished dignitaries including Prof.
Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar; Prof. Rajesh Roshan Dash, Dean
(Student Affairs); and Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean (Sponsored Research &
Industrial Consultancy). Industry leaders Intekhab Alam, Zonal Head –
Marketing, and Pradip Kumar Jha, Zonal Head – TASC, from UltraTech Cement Ltd.
(East B), also graced the occasion.
Delivering a
forward-looking and impactful message, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar emphasized the
need for students to rise above perceived limitations and cultivate
self-belief, discipline, and clarity of purpose. Drawing from the interaction
themes, he highlighted that “while access to resources may vary, it is
ultimately faith in one’s abilities and sustained determination that enable
individuals to find their own pathways to success. Students must focus on
expanding their capacity rather than comparing themselves with others.”
Reinforcing the ethos
of aspiration, speakers encouraged students to recognize and protect their
talent, remain curious, and actively engage in learning opportunities, while
also fostering open dialogue through interactive Q&A sessions.
Industry
representatives underscored the importance of discipline, consistency, and hard
work over short-term motivation, sharing real-life journeys shaped by
perseverance and experiential learning, particularly in sectors where formal
training pathways have evolved over time.
A panel interaction
with IIT students offered practical insights into navigating competitive
examinations and academic journeys, highlighting the importance of strategic
planning, right orientation, and sustained preparation amid increasing
competition and limited opportunities.
The day concluded with a guided tour of IIT Bhubaneswar’s state-of-the-art facilities, giving attendees a closer look at the institute’s academic and research infrastructure.
The Aspire Programme stands as a testament to the shared commitment of IIT Bhubaneswar and UltraTech Cement Limited to empower young minds, bridge industry-academia gaps, and foster a culture of aspiration, resilience, and excellence.
