From ‘temples of modern India’ to centres of innovation: New book documents history and global impact of IITs

From the founding of IIT-Kharagpur on the site of a British-era detention camp to the emergence of IIT-led startups, global technology leaders and India’s artificial intelligence ambitions, a new book traces the evolution of the country’s premier engineering institutions and their role in shaping modern India.
The book, ‘IIT: The Story of India’s Most Prestigious Educational Ecosystem’, authored by Prabhat Kumar, Chairman of PanIIT Alumni India and a 1994-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer currently serving as Principal Commissioner in Mumbai, is scheduled to be launched at IIT-Delhi on June 20.
Published by HarperCollins India, the book examines the journey of India’s IITs from Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of “temples of modern India” to their present-day role as centres of innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Drawing on historical records, institutional data and personal narratives, the book chronicles the transformation of the IIT system from a handful of elite institutions into a network of 23 campuses with a global alumni community of more than 500,000 members spread across technology, business, academia and public service.
At its core, the book seeks to move beyond familiar narratives of entrance examination success, lucrative placements and global CEOs to examine the broader social, economic and human dimensions of the IIT phenomenon.
It explores the evolution of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the rise of India’s multi-billion-rupee coaching industry, and the intense competition that has turned admission to IITs into one of the country’s most sought-after academic pursuits.
Several chapters focus on the lives of students and aspirants, documenting the sacrifices made by families, the pressures of academic competition and concerns surrounding mental health.
The book argues that the story of IITs cannot be understood solely through rankings and salary packages, but must also account for the challenges faced by those striving to enter and succeed within the system.
The author also revisits one of the longest-running debates surrounding IITs – the question of brain drain. Tracing the migration of graduates to the United States and other global technology hubs, the book argues that the narrative has gradually shifted from brain drain to “brain circulation”, with IIT alumni increasingly contributing to India’s growth through investments, mentorship, entrepreneurship and research collaborations.
The work examines how career choices among IIT graduates have evolved over the decades. While earlier generations played key roles in nation-building projects such as dams, steel plants and public-sector enterprises, newer cohorts have gravitated towards technology, finance, consulting and startups, reflecting broader changes in India’s economy.
The later chapters of the book focus on the emergence of IITs as drivers of India’s innovation ecosystem. From startups and venture capital networks to developments in artificial intelligence, space technology and deep-tech research, the book highlights the growing role of IITs in shaping India’s technological future.
Looking ahead, the book envisions a larger role for IITs in supporting India’s aspirations of becoming a developed nation by 2047. It explores themes such as sovereign AI, global research collaborations, reverse brain drain and the expanding influence of IIT alumni in science, technology and public policy.
Part history, part social commentary and part institutional critique, the book presents the IIT journey as a story that mirrors India’s own transformation – from the nation-building ambitions of the post-Independence era to the technological and innovation-driven aspirations of the 21st century. (PTI)