Date:04/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/04/stories/2006030419330400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

IIT flora, fauna on display at Heritage Centre

Staff Reporter

Institute has recorded over 50 species of butterflies, 100 bird species and 300 tree species

AT THE EXPO: A. Ramachandran, former Director, IIT, Dr. Muthunayagam, Chairman, Board of Governers, IIT (centre) and M.S.Ananth, Director, IIT, at the photo exhibition in Chennai . — Photo: N. Sridharan

CHENNAI: The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras came up on reserve forestland of the Guindy National Park amid much opposition. But 47 years later, the institute with "dynamic mountains and static rivers" has recorded over 50 species of butterflies, 100 species of birds and 300 species of trees on its campus.

Not only has the institute preserved its environs, it has also set a trend, allowing future IITians to trace their roots and remain linked, speakers at the inaugural ceremony of the institute's Heritage Centre said. The centre has on display archived photographs, press reports and information about the diverse flora and fauna of the institute.

Inaugurating the centre on Friday, Arcot Ramachandran, former Under Secretary General of the United Nations, said: "Sustainable development depends on a pro-technology, pro-investment and pro-education outlook." He lauded the faculty members and students for putting the institute on the world map.

Recalling his stint as second director of the institute, Mr. Ramachandran said students were afraid of sudden tests and wanted the director to take classes at the undergraduate level.

"I complied and the tradition is still being followed," he noted.

"There must be interaction between science, technology and humanities. The future of engineering depends on integrating areas such as water, energy, transport, transmission of information and communication, housing, health, agriculture and biodiversity," Mr. Ramachandran said. This would involve teamwork and innovation.

A. E. Muthunayagam, chairman, Board of Governors, IIT-Madras, recalled the effort of successive directors to shape the institute.

Prof. Ajit Kumar Kolar in-charge of the centre, and M.S. Ananth, director, called for authentic information on the institute for the benefit of the alumni and retired faculty members. A brochure on the Centre was released.