Dear fellow IIScian,
As we gather our thoughts on this fresh morning in January 2026, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve all inherited — the legacy of our beloved Institute, now 116 years young, and how it calls us to rise even higher. Its Legacy should drive our Legs to create the Legendary Institutes that India needs today.
IISc Motto is encoded in Stone in 3 words in front of IISc main building, in a charter at feet of Founder. Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta
From its birth in 1909 as IISc 1.0 — the visionary seed planted by Jamsetji Tata, the Mysore royals, and early pioneers like Morris Travers — our home began with good thoughts (Humata): bold dreams of a scientific India, applied research to spark industries, and the pure intent to uplift a nation under challenging times.
Then came the pivot under leaders like C.V. Raman and J.C. Ghosh — IISc 2.0 — where we spoke with courage and clarity (Hukhta, good words), building physics, engineering, and wartime contributions that laid the foundation for our independence-era giants like ISRO and HAL.
Under Satish Dhawan’s long, steady hand, we expanded into IISc 3.0 — the era of good deeds (Hvarshta): interdisciplinary leaps in materials, computers, biophysics, sustainable tech for rural India, and the quiet, powerful actions that turned knowledge into national strength.
The centenary renewal pushed us into IISc 4.0 — innovation exploding with undergrad programs, nanoscience, brain research, start-ups, and global ties, where we began transcending boundaries.
And now, right here, right now — we stand in IISc 5.0. This is our moment. AI surging through new MTech programs and Kotak IISc AI–ML Centre, quantum alliances with industry leaders like Wipro, hypersonics, sustainable frontiers, data science for impact, and deep tech that secures India’s future. We’re not just researching; we’re co-creating the next era of intelligent, secure, and regenerative systems.
But here’s the fire I want to share with you, my brother/sister in this tribe: Our Institute’s evolution mirrors the timeless Zoroastrian call — Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta — good thoughts, good words, good deeds.
We’ve mastered the first three generations of that path.
Now, in IISc 5.0, we must complete the quad we’ve dreamed of: Humaga — the good fellowship, the unbreakable susangha, the tribe that lifts every mind, supports every bold idea, and collaborates across disciplines, borders, and generations.
This is us. We are the ones who think visionary (Humata), speak boldly and clearly (Hukhta), act with real-world impact (Hvarshta), and now build the strongest community (Humaga) to carry this flame forward.
So let’s commit today:
Think the purest, most innovative thoughts for a better world.
Speak truth, collaborate openly, inspire without ego.
Do deeds that solve real problems — from climate to computation.
And surround ourselves with the best tribe: support each other fiercely, mentor generously, celebrate wins together, and push boundaries as one unstoppable force.
We are IISc. We have always evolved. Now let’s make this generation legendary — not just for what we discover, but for how we do it together.
Humata. Hukhta. Hvarshta. Humaga. (These first 3 words are Statutes under the Statue of J.N Tata the Founder of IISc).. and the fourth word(Humaga) is an add on by yours truly.
Onward, always onward.
Your fellow IIScian, for nam HuMaga..
(IIScian since 2009 GR. Guru Prasad Gajendran (M.Des, B.Arch, LLB) with A.I assistance from Grok.
A Demo of the IIScian Spirit of Rising For India Below.. .
From fellow IIScian_ Apoorv.
Hi Everyone,
We have just launched 3 products, all “vibe coded hardware” which we built last month and showcased at CES- these are early experiments in AI Interfaces that help us validate everyday problems that need solving while we continue building what the next gen of Human Computer Interface beyond phone touchscreens would look like.
We are launching these as experimental directions to build a community of early adopters inviting feedback and drive conversations to help shape the future of human computer interaction together.
If you resonate with any of these problems/products, would be great if you could share/repost the following:
https://x.com/ProjectMirageHQ/status/2011833828235756024?s=20
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/project-mirage-hq_introducing-radiance-shift-and-dune-our-activity-7417602765406928896-FtGF
GRP_VCare2Dare 