DFG at the Platinum Jubilee Week Celebration of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
The DFG Office India recently participated in the Platinum Jubilee Foundation Week Celebration at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, held from 15-22 August 2026. The week-long event commemorated 75 years of academic excellence, innovation and global impact of IIT Kharagpur.
Dr. Vaibhav Agarwal, Deputy Director DFG Office India, addressing the audience at IIT Kharagpur
© IIT Kharagpur
On 21 August 2026, the Office of International Relations held the "Beyond Borders: IIT Kharagpur Internationalization Roadmap" workshop. Prof. Dr. Suman Chakrabarty, Director of IIT Kharagpur, laid out the institute's vision towards building global partnerships and expanding opportunities for internationalisation. The programme brought together global academics, funding agencies, researchers and students to actively strengthen and demonstrate international academic and research collaborations.
Representing Germany's research system, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) actively engaged with the faculty, researchers and students of IIT Kharagpur. Dr. Vaibhav Agarwal from the DFG Office India and Mr. Apoorv Mahendru from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) India presented comprehensive opportunities to visit and carry out joint academic and research activities with various German institutions.
L to R: Mr. Apoorv Mahendru, Director Marketing & Deputy Director, DAAD Regional Office New Delhi; Dr. Vaibhav Agarwal, Deputy Director, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) Office India; Prof. D. Suman Chakraborty, Director, IIT Kharagpur; Dr. Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director, British Council, East and Northeast India; Dr. Arkopal K. Goswami, Associate Dean, International Relations, IIT Kharagpur.
© IIT Kharagpur
Alongside the German delegation, representatives from the British Council presented strategic pathways for enhancing ties with academic institutions in the United Kingdom. In addition, an international panel featuring researchers, administrators and academics from across the globe discussed the vital importance of international collaboration.
The event also put a spotlight on the student experience through a series of insightful presentations. Students elucidated their diverse experiences, sharing what it is like to study as an international student at IIT Kharagpur, as well as the invaluable global exposure they gained while visiting foreign institutions worldwide through the (externer Link)
Participants of the "Beyond Borders: IIT Kharagpur Internationalization Roadmap" workshop
© IIT Kharagpur
The evening concluded with a presentation and vote of thanks by Prof. Anandaroop Bhattacharya, Dean of International Relations at IIT Kharagpur, who highlighted the extensive international engagements currently ongoing, focusing specifically on the various internationalisation schemes launched under the institute’s platinum jubilee celebrations.
Further Information
Further information about the event can be found here: