Foundation for two revolutionary schools in Data Science and Health Sciences laid at IIT Guwahati

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 3, 2024

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) marked a pivotal moment in education and innovation with the foundation ceremony for two pioneering schools: the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and the Jyoti & Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology. This initiative, supported by the Mehta Family Foundation, represents a significant advancement in India’s capabilities in cutting-edge research, education, and interdisciplinary innovation.

The foundation stone was laid by Rahul Mehta, CEO of the Mehta Family Foundation, USA, alongside dignitaries such as Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, and Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati.

Esteemed academics from renowned global institutions, including the University of California, San Diego, and Purdue University, as well as leading IIT Guwahati faculty, were present at the event.

Rahul Mehta highlighted the transformational potential of the schools, stating, “These schools will train thousands of students who will lead India’s transformation, particularly in AI and its intersection with healthcare. This initiative is a critical step toward fostering innovation and securing India’s economic and social future.”

This school addresses the surging demand for expertise in data-driven technologies. By leveraging interdisciplinary approaches, it aims to empower students to tackle complex challenges and lead global advancements in AI.

Jyoti & Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology focused on merging engineering, biomedical science, and design principles, this school will revolutionize healthcare by creating affordable, innovative solutions tailored to India’s needs.

Sharing his insights on the vision of Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Puranik, Executive Director, AIIMS Guwahati, said, “This school will integrate medicine and engineering to develop cutting-edge technologies like bionics, nanotechnology, robotics, and bioinformatics. It will also explore personalised medicine and wearable devices, driving innovation to alleviate human suffering and improve healthcare outcomes. I am excited about this visionary collaboration between IIT Guwahati, AIIMS Guwahati, and the Mehta Family Foundation.”

Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, reiterated the institution’s commitment to solving national challenges, “These schools represent IIT Guwahati’s dedication to addressing critical healthcare and technological challenges. They aim to transition India from importing solutions to becoming a global innovator in these fields.”

The establishment of these schools aligns with India’s goals of self-reliance and global leadership in technology and healthcare. The schools will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering students to address emerging challenges in data science, AI, and healthcare technology.

These transformative initiatives reaffirm IIT Guwahati’s role as a leader in shaping India’s future, equipping students to excel in rapidly evolving domains while contributing to the nation’s progress.