A £1.5m donation from the TVS Motor Company is helping the design | Tech Reddy

A major gift of £1.5 million from TVS Motor Company will help create a significant new Professorship at WMG, University of Warwick – the Lord Bhattacharyya Chair in Engineering Education.

This gift celebrates the close relationship between TVS Motor Company and WMG and will continue the legacy of the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, enhancing WMG’s academic expertise in understanding, developing and teaching engineering and manufacturing internationally.

This news was announced in Mumbai yesterday (Monday 7 November) at a graduate reception at the University of Warwick hosted by Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University.

Warwick has a close network of over 5,500 students in India and is the most successful Russell Group university in recruiting students from India. This is Professor Croft’s first visit to the country with the aim of encouraging support from alumni and friends for the University’s vision.

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya sadly passed away on March 1, 2019. Celebrating his legacy in global manufacturing and innovation, the new Chair will drive innovation in research-led teaching and learning. Just as Professor Lord Bhattacharyya played an important role in building the relationship between India and the UK, the employer will be responsible for establishing links between UK higher education and WMG in Asia, particularly in India and Hong Kong.

This will include new ways to encourage young people from various backgrounds to pursue a career in engineering through the WMG Academies for Young Engineers, postgraduate apprenticeships, and professional skills programs offered by the WMG Skills Centre, as well as the opportunity to explore new opportunities in higher education. in general.

Sir Ratan Tata, former Chairman of Tata Sons, said he was delighted to hear about the gift.

“I have treasured my friendship with Kumar and know that his passion for TVS Motor Company will continue with his vision of creating new, engaging, and authentic learning opportunities for a diverse range of students. Strong business links have been very important to Kumar and it is exciting that WMG is working closely with this iconic motorcycle company. “

Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company and Director of Tata Sons, said:

“WMG excels because it has the momentum that Kumar has. It would not have happened without him, but it continues after him. Kumar always said that a real legacy is an institution that does better after your time. We are happy to make a gift that furthers this desire. “

Mr N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, said:

“Lord Bhattacharyya has created a world class, core competency at WMG. The new Chair in Engineering Education will be an important addition to their academic leadership, ensuring that the next generation of engineering leaders are inspired by the highest standards of teaching. I am delighted that the Chair will be working to increase international engagement at WMG and the University of Warwick.”

Warwick alumnus, Professor Sir Ralf Speth (EngD engineering, 2004-08), Chairman of TVS Motor Company, Director of Tata Sons, and former CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, said:

“Kumar was very keen to create top talent and develop things. He liked to know, young people. He believed in a strong momentum resulting in a unique spirit of new art and interesting, exciting talents. “

Mr. Sudarshan Venu (MSc International Technology Management, 2010-12), Managing Director of TVS Motor Company, said: “I am grateful for being taught by Lord Bhattacharyya, who had a tremendous impact on me and taught me a lot about the world. car industry. TVS has a strong partnership with WMG that includes education, research, and joint projects. We look forward to building on this and the future. “

In 2016, WMG was awarded the Regius Professorship in Manufacturing, awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in recognition of Professor Lord Bhattacharyya’s transformative contribution to UK manufacturing. The new role will align with the Regius Professorship and celebrate Lord Bhattacharyya’s impact on engineering and manufacturing internationally.

The role of Chair in Education was created in 2021 thanks to a private philanthropic donation of £1.5 million, endowed by a Warwick student. The additional gift from TVS Motor Company will help future proof the space for future generations and help the University achieve its Chair goals. The University aims to find its role in 2023.

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, said:

“We are very grateful to TVS for making this generous gift to support WMG in improving and exceeding educational standards. The new role of the Lord Bhattacharyya Chair in Engineering Education will continue the legacy of Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, and help us succeed in integrating education, research and business, setting up our graduates for successful futures.

“Warwick has an excellent alumni network in India, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet with many of our alumni this week to explore how they can support the University’s vision for the future in the world’s largest democracy.”

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, University of Warwick, who visited India this week alongside Professor Croft, said: “We would like to thank the TVS Motor Company for their generous gift. Their support will enable the new Lord Bhattacharyya Chair in Engineering Education role to maintain and expand Professor Lord Bhattacharyya’s pursuit of excellence in education, while further developing the relationship between our teaching and research.

“We expect the successful candidate to be appointed will further expand WMG’s educational collaboration with industry and our international partners in Asia, helping us to drive high-quality and meaningful, international and cross-cultural learning opportunities that broaden our students’ global perspectives and provide the required skills. for current and future business needs. “