Faculty Chairs
Singheswari and Ram Krishna Jha Chair
IIT Gandhinagar has setup this faculty chair through a donation by Shri Jagdish Jha and Smt Seema Jha.
Smt Singheswari Jha (1922-2015) was an extraordinary homemaker who nurtured and cared for a large extended family with devotion and grace. She embodied the values of hard work, discipline, and faith, and was deeply respected for her strength and resilience. She stood as a pillar of support to her husband, enabling him to dedicate himself fully to his mission of advancing education and uplifting society. Through her quiet determination and unwavering encouragement, she played an essential role in shaping the lives and values of those around her.
Shri Ram Krishna Jha (1914-2002) was a distinguished high school principal and a visionary in the field of education. In 1968, he was honored with the President’s Award for his outstanding contributions and dedicated service. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to raise the standards of education not only in his school in Darbhanga but across Bihar, with a special focus on the Mithila region of North Bihar. Beyond academics, he actively engaged with several social and cultural organizations, reflecting his deep commitment to community development. He firmly believed that modern education was the key to uplifting society and improving quality of life. At the same time, he championed the integration of strong Indian social and cultural values within education. For his vision, dedication, and relentless efforts, he earned widespread respect and admiration.
Endowment
Shri Jagdish Jha is a software professional who witnessed and contributed to the industry’s remarkable evolution from its fledgling beginnings to its current prominence. After a career spanning many years, he chose to step away early to pursue his passion for social impact. Today, he is deeply involved with an education-focused NGO in Bangalore, where he works to empower underprivileged children through quality learning opportunities.
A postgraduate in Physics, Smt Seema Jha has been a strong and dedicated homemaker, supporting her family through the ups and downs of life. For over a decade and a half, she has also been actively involved with Samriddhi Trust, an education-focused NGO in Bangalore that works to empower underprivileged children. As a trustee of the organization, she has contributed to its growth and impact, and today she continues her commitment by teaching Science to high school students at Samriddhi, combining her academic background with her passion for education.
Current Occupant
Dr. Arpan Bhattacharyya
Singheswari and Ram Krishna Jha Chair
Associate Professor of Physics