IIM Calcutta is poised for a complete transformation of its existing 135 Acre campus located at Diamond Harbour Road, Joka, Kolkata
Kolkata: The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta), established in 1961 as the first Management Institute in India, is poised for a complete transformation of its existing 135 Acre campus located at Diamond Harbour Road, Joka, Kolkata. Along with a proposed ambitious revision in the Master Plan of the campus, the plan envisages the addition of a new academic block and new hostel capacity of about 1000 students. The building design emphasizes harmony with the natural beauty of the campus and its water bodies, flora and fauna with the most stringent sustainability parameters to promote the physical and mental wellness of student, faculty and staff residents and visitors.
Chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG), Shri Shrikrishna Kulkarni announced, “On behalf of the Board of Governors of IIM Calcutta, I am delighted to share that Padma Bhushan Architect Hafeez Contractor & Associates has been awarded the contract for preparation of the campus Master Plan and the design of the new academic block and hostels by CPWD who are executing the project. A comprehensive exercise was initiated shortly after Prof. Anju Seth joined as Director to develop a phased plan to upgrade the residential and academic infrastructure at our Joka campus to international standards with the involvement of numerous stakeholders. While we evaluate and reengineer our programs and activities to support our vision and mission, we are also sensitive to our role in society as a national asset. The campus transformation will enable us to increase our student enrolments in line with the national need to ensure that economically weaker sections of our society also have the opportunity for a world-class education.”
Director Anju Seth announced, “Among our numerous forward-looking steps to build on IIMC’s strong reputation towards global eminence, I am delighted that we have achieved this milestone as we approach our Diamond Jubilee. In preparation for the next 75 years, IIM Calcutta envisions world-class futuristic infrastructure and campus amenities devoted to principles of sustainability as corresponding with our aim to attract the most talented faculty, students and thought leaders, and provide an environment befitting the best. This will also boost our bid for global collaboration and increase international participation in our programmes. My most sincere thanks to the members of the Board of Governors, faculty members, administrators, students and numerous other stakeholders who continue to dedicate innovative insights, technical knowhow, positive energy and enormous enthusiasm into taking forward this bold project.”
Mr. Prabhakar Singh, Member of the BoG described the long-anticipated project, “We are going to construct a futuristic, environment-friendly and ecologically-sensitive, state-of-the-art iconic infrastructure. It is expected to be a a Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Discharge and Net Zero Waste, accessible and disabled-friendly, intelligent, convenient, comfortable and smart campus with the assistance of renowned architect Hafeez Contractor and his team who are taking up the work of architectural and engineering planning, design and estimation.”
In response, Mr. Hafeez Contractor shared, “We are honoured to be selected by IIM Calcutta; an Institution of great national importance to design their new academic block, new hostel complex and the Master Plan of the campus. Both buildings and the rest of the campus are designed as Net Zero in keeping with the highest standards of sustainable design with careful consideration of the existing flora & fauna in the fragile eco-system that the IIM Calcutta Campus boasts of.”
Dean Academic, Professor Bodhibrata Nag, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the project’s progress remarked, “I am delighted to learn that we are moving forward on a fast track to build a world-class infrastructure and facility for our faculty and students. It is truly an exciting time to see our Institute planning to set new benchmarks for Indian institutions of higher education.”
Dr. R. Ramaraj, Chairman of the Building and Works (B&W) Committee of the BoG added, “It is wonderful to see a great team effort in the B&W Committee from the very start of the project, resulting in the selection of a great architectural firm.”
Earlier this year, Director Anju Seth had announced with thanks the support of Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee for the allotment of prime land at a highly concessional rate in New Town, Kolkata to set up a satellite campus. “The Chief Minister’s vision in granting our request for this land comes at an opportune time to support the Institute’s ambitious plans to strengthen and expand our programs. As an alumna of the Institute, I am especially pleased to share these accomplishments with our globally recognized alumni community. I look forward to your wholehearted support in re-imagining IIMC Calcutta with affection and the shared recollection of all that our alma mater has bestowed upon us.”