The facility is named after Padma Shri recipient Prof Deepak B. Phatak, an educator known for his path-breaking work on a variety of digital technology domains.   With state-of-the-art equipment, this facility promises to be a crucible for ideas, a place where dreams take shape, and innovations come to life according to IIT Indore.

Prof Phatak addressed the students and highlighted the value of learning by doing for an engineer: “The product prototypes students build here will not be bound by any syllabus, but only by the imaginative ideas and creative talent brought to life. The students are encouraged to work and build things with their own hands and seek advice and mentorship from elders as required. The passion that gets poured into the work done here would make the students far better practical problem-solvers in life. Their accomplishments here may constitute tiny steps taken towards becoming successful entrepreneurs.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Suhas Joshi, Director of IIT Indore, said, “The inauguration of Tinkerers’ Lab is a momentous occasion for IIT Indore, marking our commitment towards nurturing the next generation of engineers who are adept at practical problem-solving, besides being well-versed in theory. It reflects IIT Indore’s commitment to providing a holistic ambience to its students and preparing them to make a real impact in the world.”

Bharat Desai joined the inauguration online from the USA and interacted with the students in a fireside chat. He said, “We are inspired by Prof. Deepak Phatak’s passion for teaching, his deep understanding of technology and his ability to translate that into clear conceptual principles that audiences can readily grasp and his immense love for India. This laboratory is dedicated to his contributions to India and his unwavering support to learning.”