End of 2004 and Guru-Dakshina Time

December 22 2004:

Dear Fellow Alum,

It is "Guru-Dakshina" time.

"The learning was free but the house of learning (IIT Kharagpur) needs your financial contributions."

Remember the good old times at IIT Kharagpur when the end-semester exams were around the corner and all the excuses for not studying got over, and the late-night mugging sessions started. Well ... believe it or not December 31, 2004 is here and the time to make your 2004 contribution to IIT Foundation is now.

You will be pleased to learn that over 90% of the IIT Foundation Board of Directors ("BOD") has already made a contribution to IIT Foundation and IIT Kharagpur programs. By December 31, 2004 we expect this to be 100%. We would like 100% of alums to contribute to IIT Foundation. We are counting on each alumnus/alumnae to contribute, irrespective of the gift amount. Over the last two years of launching Vision 2020 an initiative to raise $200 Million in endowment for IIT Kharagpur by the year 2020, we have met with and discussed fundraising with a large number of alums. We believe that there are always several reasons not to contribute. However, there is one reason for giving ...

Your gift can and will make a difference to the students and IIT

If you felt you did not get as much from your IIT experience, your contributions can change that for the current and future students.
If you felt certain facilities were sub-par then your contributions can change that situation.
If you felt that you had a great experience, then your contributions can further improve the educational experience for future generations.

The IIT Foundation BOD has developed and approved several programs that improve the educational experience at IIT Kharagpur. Please visit http://www.iitfoundation.org for details. Each program is led by senior and distinguished alum with a committed alumi-team. In addition, IIT Foundation BOD has restructured it's finances to ensure 95% of your gift goes to fund the approved program.

We need the support of each and every alum to achieve Vision 2020. Please make your contributions by visiting http://www.iitfoundation.org/donate .

On-line donations made before 12 midnight PST and checks postmarked on or before December 31, 2004 will be counted for 2004 donor recognition.

On behalf of the IIT Foundation BOD and the IIT Kharagpur alumni network we wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

KGP Ka Tempo High Hai!

Regards,

Arjun Malhotra
1970, ECE, RP
Chairman, Vision 2020, IIT Foundation

Shailendra "Shail" Kumar
1987, ME, RK
President, IIT Foundation