Tagged Search | IITM Heritage Centre

Performers in action at the Eighth Institute Day, 1967

Photographs , Cultural Events, Institute Events, Student Activities , 1960s

It was common for male performers to don the roles of female characters in the early years of the institute owing to the fact that female students were not a part of the institute. Dances, magic shows, plays, music performances and various cultural activities were a hallmark of Institute Day in the 1960s. It was a community event which brought together students, professors and staff members of IIT, children from Vanavani School, campus children and other residents of the campus. The performers in the photograph are yet to be identified.

Students stage ‘Chandalika’ at the Eighth Institute Day, 1967

Photographs , Cultural Events, Institute Events, Students , 1960s

Chandalika is a dance drama written by Rabindranath Tagore. According to the 1967 April edition of Campastimes the play was “produced and directed by Mrs. Director and the Director. Or as the M.C. put it, directed by the Director, who was directed by Mrs. Director.” Dances, magic shows, plays, music performances and various cultural activities were a hallmark of Institute Day in the 1960s. It was a community event which brought together students, professors and staff members of IIT, children from Vanavani School, campus children and other residents of the campus.

Prof. B. Sengupto giving the Director's report during the Eight Institute Day, 1967

Photographs , Administrators, Institute Events, Students , 1960s

Prof. Sengupto was the first Director of IIT Madras. He served his term from 1959 to 1967. He played a pivotal role in the rapid growth that took place during the initial years of the Institute. He was the force within the establishment that spurred the development of infrastructure, administration and education, thereby laying the foundation of what the Institute is today. Sengupto's active leadership and involvement in every aspect of the institute, led to IIT Madras rapidly becoming one of the best technical academic institutes. From left, Sardar Ujjal Singh (Governor of Tamil Nadu, and…

Students stage a play at the Eighth Institute Day, 1967

Photographs , Cultural Events, Institute Events, Student Activities , 1960s

There is a description of the plays that were performed during the event in the April 1967 edition of Campastimes. It is possible (yet to be confirmed) that the photograph is from “Mani’s play” which is mentioned in the Campastimes article. “Mani’s play (the latest in his detective series) was good. Thomas Victor has the potentialities of an efficient butler. Rammohan’s acting was very good but the audience was even better.”

Prof. S. Sampath addresses the audience, 1967

Photographs , Administrators, Institute Events, Students , 1960s

According to the April 1967 edition of Campastimes, Prof. Sampath “recalled the visits of prominent personalities to the institute and informed us about the close association of Sardar Ujjal Singh with technical education in India.” Prof. Sampath joined IIT Madras as a Professor of Electrical Engineering in 1961. In 1965 he was named Deputy Director, and in 1973 took the role of Head of the Computer Centre. He held several other important posts over the years, and remains to be one of the major individuals who made an impact on IIT Madras. From left, Prof. B. Sengupto (…

Students receive a trophy from Sardarini Sant Sev Ujjal Singh, 1967

Photographs , Institute Events, Students, Visiting VIPs , 1960s

Taken during the Eighth Institute Day of IIT Madras, this is a photograph from the prize distribution ceremony of the event. Sararini Ujjal Singh (covered by a student) was the chief guest for the event along with her husband Sardar Ujjal Singh (Governor of Tamil Nadu). According to the 1967 edition of Campastimes, “Sardarini Ujjal Singh distributed the year’s prizes for general proficiency in the various years and branches. The prize winners were given a big hand as they went up to receive their prizes.” During Institute Days, prizes and awards were given to staff,…

Prof. N. Klein addresses the audience, 1967

Photographs , Administrators, Cultural Events, Institute Events , 1960s

This photograph was taken during the Eighth Institute Day of IIT Madras. According to Campastimes, Prof. Klein “spoke of the odd little things in the I.I.T. that one does not usually notice. Their speeches were highly technical and they poked fun at everything but themselves.” Prof. Klein taught at the Department of Humanities at the Institute. Seated at the stage, from left, Prof. B. Sengupto (Director of IIT Madras), Sardar Ujjal Singh (Governor of Tamil Nadu and chief guest), Sardarini Sant Sev Ujjal Singh, Prof. S. Sampath (Deputy Director), Dr. P. C. Varghese (Gymkhana…