Making of the IIT Brand

Book excerpt: This book is an attempt to look at the ordinary IITians, the dreams they had, the hardships and challenges they faced, and the difference they made, as told by the IITians themselves. The book does not seek to glorify any particular IITian or focus on individual accomplishments. Instead, it looks at the stories of IITians from the first graduating class of 1955 till today . The book is a chronicle of the history of IITs in a uniquely personal way and their contributions to India and, in fact, the whole world. It looks at the making of the ‘IIT’ brand. Through the stories of IIT alumni, readers may find answers to the question of what attracts global multinationals to IIT campuses to recruit at salaries similar to those of MIT and Harvard graduates. The book is intended to be a light and interesting read. Having said this, it may be of particular interest to: • youngsters across the world, who are interested in knowing about the struggles and success stories of IIT alumni • students aspiring to enter IIT • current students and faculty of new IITs, who want to understand the culture and life of alumni in the older IITs • people abroad who have heard the name of IIT and the accomplishments of its alumni • people who want to know how the IIT brand came into existence and whose entrance exam is the most competitive exam in the world • the loved ones of numerous alumni who have narrated their stories in this book This book is meant to be cherished by IIT alumni, current IITians, and the future generation of IITians.