IIT Bombay in Oct 1996 started a Heritage Fund to collect donations. That s as far the big money goes. On a smaller scale, the associations are drawing up schemes to allow everyone to participate. The New York IIT alumni chapter is planning a sale of campus items in reverse. People can pay for a laboratory, or a piece of equipment or even the hostel room where they stayed.
Plans are afoot to get involved in other charities as well.
The women have got together to contribute toward security for the women s hostel on campus. People are enthusiastic about such programs, says Tipnis. There is very little reluctance. Other than money, the association seriously woos those in academics to serve as guest lecturers at their alma mater. At the very least, interaction between those in the industry and students is encouraged.