Jamshedpur: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jamshedpur has emerged as a national exemplar of sustainability and circular economy through its innovative Waste-to-Art initiative under Swachhata Hi Seva, transforming discarded metal scrap into meaningful and permanent campus landmarks that promote learning, responsibility, and environmental consciousness. The tech institute is all geared up to accord a grand welcome to President Droupadi Murmu on December 29 on the occasion of its annual convocation.
The institute’s sustained efforts have earned national recognition. NIT Jamshedpur was conferred the prestigious ACE Award 2025 in the “Circular Campus” category by the International Council for Circular Economy at the India Circular Economy Forum 2025 held at Hotel Radisson, Gurugram, in July 2025. The award recognizes the institute’s leadership in advancing circularity, environmental stewardship, and innovative sustainability practices.
In a recent addition to this initiative, the institute unveiled the “Gyan Aalingan” sculpture at the Central Library lawn. Crafted from 830 kilograms of metal scrap, the sculpture symbolically represents the embrace of knowledge, reflecting how students entering the library are nurtured, protected and empowered through learning.
The unveiling ceremony was held in the presence of Prof. Goutam Sutradhar, Director of NIT Jamshedpur, Prof. Saroj Kumar Sarangi, Registrar (I/C), distinguished alumnus Devi Prasad Dash, along with senior officials and faculty members.
The installation adds to NIT Jamshedpur’s growing legacy of scrap-to-art transformations across the campus. Earlier projects include the ‘NIT JSR’ sculpture created from 490 kilograms of scrap, ‘NIT Stambh’ made using 780 kilograms, and the iconic ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ Lion fashioned from 1,090 kilograms of discarded metal. In total, 3,190 kilograms of metal scrap have been creatively repurposed into artistic installations, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to sustainability through innovation.
Among these, the ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ Lion installed at the main entrance of the campus has become a prominent symbol of national pride, self-reliance and environmental responsibility. The concept was first envisioned by Prof. Goutam Sutradhar, whose leadership linked institutional identity with the principles of circular economy. The initiative was guided and monitored by Dr. Naveen Kumar Veldurthi, Nodal Officer, Swachhata Hi Seva, and Col. (Dr.) N. K. Rai, former Registrar, while the Planning and Development team ensured smooth execution. The institute also acknowledged the outstanding craftsmanship of sculptor Subendu Biswas and his team for converting scrap into enduring works of art.
Through its Scrap-to-Art initiative, NIT Jamshedpur continues to demonstrate how waste can be transformed into wisdom by integrating sustainability with education, aesthetics and national values, setting a benchmark for academic institutions across the country.
