5 things about IIT Madras and its Germany link – Firstpost

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras located in South Chennai, spanning across 630 acres containing around 3000 engineering scholars as well as families of faculty and staff members. Belonging to the new-generational knowledge and sturdy educational background, this institute shares a historical significance.

Where it all began 

With deep historical significance comes its links with Germany. It all began when the then Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956 visited West Germany for some official purpose, where he was offered assistance by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, to set up a higher technological institute in India.

First Indo-German Agreement 

This mutual consideration from both the parties resulted in the signing of the first Indo-German Agreement in Bonn in 1959, for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology at Madras.

The first Indo-German Agreement provided for the services of German professors and five foremen, training facilities for 20 Indian faculty members and the supply of scientific and technical equipment for the establishment of the Central Workshop and 20 laboratories at IIT Madras.

Inauguration of the institute

The institute was formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Scientific and Cultural Affairs Prof. Humayun Kabir in 1959. Dr. A. Lakshmanaswamy assumed office as the first Chairman of the Board of Governors and Dr. B.Sengupto as the first Director of the Institute.

  In 1961, the Institute was declared as an ‘Institute of National Importance’ by the Parliament of India, as it symbolised strong ties between India and Germany which provided excellent education and quality research development.  

Visit of German President 

In 1962, Heinrich Lubke, the then President of the Federal Republic of Germany marked the beginning of the Indo-German Technical Assistance Program.

In 1973, Shri C.Subramaniam, Minister for Industrial Development and Minister for Science and Technology, inaugurated the Industrial Consultancy Centre in the institute. The same year, the first IBM System 370 Model 155 digital computer was dedicated to the Institute.

Fourth Indo-German Agreement 

It was in 1974, that witnessed the commencement of the fourth Indo-German agreement. India has always shared a high point relationship with Germany strengthening defence, migration and energy ties.  

In 1974, it was aimed to set up inter-university partnerships in R&D projects, strengthen the industrial consultancy service and establish a post-graduate programme in Television Engineering.

The Employees Welfare Scheme was introduced in 1975, and evening DIIT courses were started for the benefit of engineers in and around the city.

Collaborated for assisting Aeronautics Department

An agreement was signed between the two states, for collaboration and assistance to the Aeronautics Department.  

Five years later, the fifth Indo-German agreement was signed with the continuation of inter-university projects and exchange visits, as well as the strengthening of the Micro Processor Laboratory, Low Temperature Laboratory and High Polymer Laboratory as its principal objectives.  

The credit system of evaluation for the B tech program was introduced in 1979.  

Institute started honorary degrees 

The institute has awarded honorary degrees since 1973, when all the mutual considerations were completed and the institute established itself into a full-zone battleground for studies.  

Doctor of Science and Doctor of Technology (honoris causa) to eminent personalities like Nobel Laureate (Physics) Dr. John Bardeen (1973), former Minister for Foreign Affairs (FRG) Mr.Hans Dietrich Genscher (1973) and former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, Dr.Raja Ramanna (1983) were among the ones.  

The first convocation address was delivered by President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and the 35th convocation address (in 1998) was delivered by the Vice-President of India, Krishna Kant.