Who is Shireesh Kedare, IIT Bombay director facing student protests?

IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare came under pressure after students protested following Sahil Wakode's death. The unrest has widened into demands for an independent probe, welfare reforms and clarity on his reported resignation.

In Short

• Students sought an independent probe into circumstances leading to Wakode's death
• The institute apologised for its earlier statement mentioning ChatGPT and examination misconduct
• More than 400 students joined protests and backed an 18-point reform charter

IIT Bombay Director Professor Shireesh B Kedare is facing calls for his resignation as student protests intensify following the death by suicide of second-year student Sahil Wakode on September 18. However, the institute has clarified that Kedare has not resigned.

The institute on Monday also apologised for its earlier communication and said that the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death remain under investigation.

Wakode died by suicide after he was reportedly found using a mobile phone during an examination. IIT Bombay had initially stated that he uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers and that no disciplinary action had been taken against him.

On Sunday, Kedare signed an 18-point charter of demands during a meeting with protesting students. The charter includes demands for an independent probe, student welfare measures, disciplinary reforms and a provision seeking the director’s resignation if the agreed reforms are not implemented within a month.

WHO IS SHIREESH B KEDARE?

Shireesh B Kedare is a professor in IIT Bombay’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering and an alumnus of the institute. He completed his BTech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Bombay in 1985 and earned his PhD from the same institute in 1992.

Kedare’s academic and research work has focused on renewable energy, solar technologies and sustainable energy systems. His research interests include concentrating solar technologies with thermal energy storage, renewable energy technologies for decarbonising Indian process industries, energy transition pathways and participatory technology development.

Before becoming director, Kedare held several academic, administrative and industry-related positions. He served as Professor-in-Charge of IIT Bombay’s Centre of Excellence in Oil, Gas and Energy from November 2019. He has also been a member of the Board of Governors of IIT Madras and a nominated member of the Council of IITs under the Ministry of Education. He has previously served as an independent director at ONGC and as Director (R&D) at Clique Developments Ltd.

WHEN DID KEDARE BECOME IIT BOMBAY DIRECTOR?

Kedare officially took charge as Director of IIT Bombay on May 6, 2024, succeeding Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri.

He has an extensive academic and research record, with publications in international and national journals, conference papers, patents and several awards. According to IIT Bombay, he has guided PhD scholars and more than 90 postgraduate dissertations and has received awards including the Dr P K Patwardhan Technology Development Award and the Departmental Award for Excellence in Teaching.

His research and professional work has also included industry collaborations, technology development and the commercialisation of solar-energy technologies. He has been involved in the development of solar thermal systems, including the ‘Arun’ solar concentrator for industrial process heat.

WHY ARE STUDENTS DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY?

The immediate trigger for the protests was Wakode's death and questions surrounding the events that preceded it.

IIT Bombay's initial statement said Wakode was found using a mobile phone during an examination and had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT. It also said that the instructor, faculty adviser and Head of Department counselled him and assured him that the examination incident would not adversely affect his academic career, adding that no disciplinary action had been initiated.

Students, however, raised questions about the institute's handling of the episode and demanded a wider investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death.

The issue has since expanded beyond the examination incident, with protesters demanding changes in the institute's approach to student welfare, mental health, disciplinary procedures and grievance redressal.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Attention now turns to the implementation of the 18-point charter and the findings of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. IIT Bombay is also expected to continue discussions with students and hold an open house to address their concerns.

The implementation of the agreed reforms and the outcome of the investigation will shape the institute’s response to the demands raised during the protests. Meanwhile, reports concerning Director Shireesh B Kedare’s resignation remain subject to formal confirmation.

- Ends