Varanasi: The Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi has initiated the establishment of the Yavatkar Convention Center (YCC), a state-of-the-art institutional facility envisioned to serve as a vibrant hub for student activities, innovation, and collaborative learning. The proposed facility will be constructed at the Rajputana Ground area of IIT-BHU and is expected to become operational for students from 2028.The initiative has been made possible through the contribution of Raj Yavatkar, alumnus of IIT-BHU and former chief technology officer at Juniper Networks, Mountain View, California, through the IIT-BHU Foundation. Sharing details of the project, Prof. Pabitra Ranjan Maiti, professor in-Charge, Institute Works Department, said that the proposed facility has been conceptualized as a multi-functional, student-centric space integrating academic, technological, cultural, and social activities within a contemporary institutional environment.He said that the major planned facilities include a 204-seat Senate Hall, a 138-seat Multipurpose Hall, two Seminar Halls, cafeteria spaces, a 562-seat Auditorium, six Activity Zones, and an Open Theatre. The centre is envisioned as an inclusive and dynamic space that will support academic discussions, institutional events, innovation-led engagement, and collaborative learning experiences.Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT-BHU, said,”We are deeply thankful to Raj Yavatkar for his generous support and continued commitment towards his alma mater.”
