The BRICS TimesThe IIT Kanpur director informed Kumar that the institute’s board of governors unanimously chose him for this prestigious recognition
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur will bestow its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on November 2, coinciding with the institute’s 66th foundation day celebrations.
On September 23, IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal sent a letter to Kumar stating that the board of governors had unanimously decided to honour him for his outstanding professional accomplishments.
Established in 1969, the DAA represents the highest recognition IIT Kanpur offers its alumni, celebrating individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements or contributed significantly to society. Past awardees include Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy and former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan.
IIT Kanpur’s foundation day serves as a gathering for students, faculty, and alumni to commemorate the institute’s establishment in 1959. The DAA presentation is the highlight of these celebrations.
Kumar, who graduated in civil engineering from IIT Kanpur in 1985 and joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1988 (Kerala cadre), assumed office this year as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner.
