Chennai

R. Muralidharan, who did his B.Tech (electronics engineering) at IIT-Madras has assigned both his and his wife Girija’s life insurance policy valued at USD 1 lakh to IIT Madras. This is the first time in the history of the institute that an alumnus had contributed in this generous manner.

As per Muralidharan’s wish, the funds vested would be used to support an Institute Chair Professorship through an endowment. The chair is currently occupied by Prof. B.S. Murty of the Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering.

About his donation, Muralidharan said that he had taken the policy in 1994 in Dubai and as he had no big financial commitment now he decided to make IIT Madras the sole beneficiary for the policy.

“I benefited a lot from IIT Madras. My education was subsidised to a large extent. We got scholarships because some body had the goodwill to finance it. This is the first time someone will pledge their life for IIT Madras and I am happy that it is me,” he said.

“It will be great if this idea of donating is followed by others as well. It is our duty to give back to our alma mater,” he also said.