New Delhi, 2 December 2025 – The IARI Alumni Association (IAA) celebrated its 34th Foundation Day and Alumni Meet with the participation of over 300 alumni, faculty members, and students joining both on-site and online. The day’s programme included the Foundation Day Lecture, the Annual General Body Meeting (GBM), cultural performances, and a networking dinner.
Foundation Day Lecture
Padma Vibhushan Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Former Director General, CSIR, delivered the Foundation Day Lecture on “More from Less for More (MLM)”. He explained how innovation-driven approaches can help generate greater value using fewer resources, creating wider benefits for small and marginal farmers. He also highlighted the potential of digital technologies, nanoscience, and biotechnology to offer cost-effective and inclusive agricultural solutions. He emphasized that only research excellence can ensure the successful adoption of these innovations in the marketplace.
The lecture was chaired by Padma Bhushan Dr. R. S. Paroda, President, IAA and former DG, ICAR, and moderated by Dr. Anupama Singh, Dean, IARI, and Dr. Anil Kumar Singh, Secretary, IAA.
Annual General Body Meeting (GBM)
The GBM, chaired by Dr. R. S. Paroda, reviewed the Association’s activities, achievements, and financial accounts for the year.
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh, Secretary, IAA, presented the Secretary’s Report, which was endorsed by the General Body.
Dr. Sridhar Gutam, Joint Secretary, shared updates on improvements to the IAA website and newsletter and encouraged alumni to contribute more actively.
Dr. G. K. Mohapatra, Vice President, Dr. Roy Burman, Treasurer, and other Executive Committee members were also present. Several alumni participated enthusiastically and expressed commitment to strengthening alumni engagement, including the initiation of regional chapters in India and abroad.
Future Initiatives
The Association announced key priorities for the upcoming year:
- Student Support – Mentoring programmes, scholarships, and enhanced career guidance.
- Faculty Development – Opportunities for international exposure, research awards, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Alumni Recognition – New awards to honour distinguished alumni and inspire future generations.
Distinguished Presence
The celebrations were attended by several eminent alumni and dignitaries, including:
- Dr. M. L. Jat, Director General, ICAR
- Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, ASRB
- Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, IARI
- Padma Bhushan Dr. R. B. Singh
- Padma Shri Dr. Surinder Kumar Vasal
- Dr. Anupama Verma, former Dean, IARI
- Dr. A. K. Singh, former Director, IARI
- Dr. R. C. Agarwal, former DDG, ICAR and Vice President, IAA
- Dr. Prasanna, Director, South Asia, CIMMYT
- Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog
- Dr. W. R. Reddy, IAS and former DG, NIRDPR, Hyderabad
During the event, IAA also recognized distinguished gold donors, super senior alumni and senior officials for their significant contributions to the Alumni and the society.
Conclusion
The celebrations concluded with vibrant cultural performances by students and alumni, followed by a networking dinner. The 34th Foundation Day reaffirmed IAA’s commitment to supporting IARI students and faculty and strengthening leadership in agricultural science.
