A Century of Excellence: The Legacy of Metallurgical Engineering at IIT BHU

In the annals of Indian education, the story of Metallurgical Engineering's inception at the prestigious Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a testament to visionary leadership and a commitment to technical progress. In 1916, just four years after BHU's establishment, the illustrious Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya recognized the pivotal role of engineering in nation-building. Thus, he laid the foundation for an engineering college that would later evolve into the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU. The journey of the Metallurgical Engineering Department at IIT BHU, which commenced in 1923, has now completed a glorious century. To commemorate this milestone, a centenary celebration is being held from October 26th to 29th, with Ramesh Srinivasan, the illustrious alumnus of the 1982 batch, as the chief guest.

Ramesh Srinivasan: An Icon of Support
Ramesh Srinivasan, currently the Chairman and CEO of Aegisys, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his alma mater by contributing a generous $1.3 million to the institution on September 30th. This generous donation has led to the establishment of the Student Activity Center at IIT BHU, which bears his name. The Ramesh Srinivasan Student Activity Center provides students with state-of-the-art facilities, including a gym, sports facilities, and various other amenities, enhancing the overall college experience.

A Century of Achievements
Over the course of a century, the Metallurgical Engineering Department at IIT BHU has achieved numerous milestones, leaving an indelible mark on the field of education. It all began in 1923 when the department introduced its undergraduate program. Before that, the renowned Prof. NagarDas Purushottam Gandhi was at the helm. Postgraduate and Ph.D. programs were initiated in 1955, cementing the department's reputation as a pioneer in metallurgical engineering.

Notable Alumni
The department's legacy is embellished by its illustrious alumni who have made significant contributions to the world. Dr. Pulickel Ajayan, a holder of two Guinness World Records and a leader in nanotechnology, and Dr. Deep Jariwala, recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science, both hail from this esteemed department. Dr. C. Suryanarayana and former National Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Palle Rama Rao, are also distinguished alumni who have contributed to science and technology on a global scale.

Course Milestones
The Metallurgical Engineering Department at IIT BHU has evolved over the years, introducing various programs to cater to the needs of the industry and academia:

- 1923: Introduction of the Bachelor's degree program.
- 1927: First-ever Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering.
- 1955: Initiation of the Master's degree program.
- 1955: Introduction of the Ph.D. program.
- 1957: The department became the first to award degrees in Master's and Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering.

Conclusion:
The Metallurgical Engineering Department at IIT BHU has not only stood the test of time but has also excelled in its mission to educate and inspire future engineers. With a legacy of a century, this department continues to shape the world of metallurgical engineering and has contributed significantly to the nation and the world at large. As it celebrates its centenary, it stands as a shining example of academic excellence, innovation, and progress.