NIT Jamshedpur has transformed metal scrap into iconic works of art under its Waste-to-Art initiative, turning the campus into a living gallery of sustainability, innovation, and national pride.
“Gyan Aalingan”: The Embrace of Knowledge
The latest jewel in this initiative is the “Gyan Aalingan” sculpture, unveiled at the Central Library lawn as a powerful symbol of how knowledge can shelter, shape, and empower young minds.
Crafted from 830 kilograms of metal scrap, the installation visually represents the warm embrace of knowledge that every student experiences while entering the library
The unveiling ceremony was graced by Prof. Goutam Sutradhar (Director, NIT Jamshedpur), Prof. Saroj Kumar Sarangi (Registrar I/C), distinguished alumnus Devi Prasad Dash, senior officials, and faculty members, reflecting the institute’s unified commitment to sustainable innovation.
Key Highlights of “Gyan Aalingan”
- Location: Central Library Lawn, NIT Jamshedpur.
- Material used: 830 kg of repurposed metal scrap.
- Concept: Symbolic embrace of knowledge, care, and empowerment for students.
- Theme: Waste-to-Wisdom through art, design, and sustainability.
Scrap-to-Art Landmarks Across the Campus
“Gyan Aalingan” is part of a growing family of Scrap-to-Art installations that have turned the NIT Jamshedpur campus into a vibrant, open-air museum of sustainability.
Each sculpture tells a unique story of creativity, conservation, and the power of design to reshape discarded materials.
| Sculpture | Scrap Used (kg) | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| “NIT JSR” | 490 | Showcases the institute’s identity and technical legacy in a sustainable artistic form. |
| “NIT Stambh” | 780 | Represents progress, resilience, and rising academic aspirations. |
| “MAKE IN INDIA” Lion[w | 1,090 | Icon of national pride, self-reliance, and environmental responsibility at the main entrance. |
| Total Scrap Repurposed | 3,190 | A living proof of how waste can be converted into lasting symbols of sustainability. |
Leadership, Vision and Craftsmanship
The Waste-to-Art movement at NIT Jamshedpur was envisioned by Director Prof. Goutam Sutradhar, who linked the institute’s visual identity with the principles of the circular economy.
His vision turned what was once mere scrap into icons that define the campus skyline.
The initiative has been consistently guided and monitored by Dr. Naveen Kumar Veldurthi (Nodal Officer, Swachhata Hi Seva) and Col. (Dr.) N. K. Rai (former Registrar), with the Planning and Development team ensuring seamless execution.
Sculptor Subendu Biswas and his team have been widely appreciated for their remarkable craftsmanship in converting scrap metal into enduring works of art.
“At NIT Jamshedpur, scrap is not a burden to be discarded, but a resource to be reimagined – transforming waste into wisdom, and structures into stories of sustainability.”
ACE Award 2025: National-Level Recognition
Recognising its pioneering work in circularity and campus sustainability, NIT Jamshedpur has been conferred the prestigious ACE Award 2025 in the “Circular Campus” category by the International Council for Circular Economy.
The award was presented during the India Circular Economy Forum 2025 at Hotel Radisson, Gurugram, in July 2025.
This honour celebrates the institute’s leadership in integrating art, environment, and education, and positions NIT Jamshedpur as a national role model for higher education campuses aspiring to adopt circular, low-waste, and climate-conscious practices.
From Waste to Wisdom: A Model for India
Through its Scrap-to-Art initiative, NIT Jamshedpur demonstrates how thoughtfully designed interventions can turn waste into a powerful teaching tool and a source of inspiration for thousands of students.
By blending sustainability with aesthetics, national values, and experiential learning, the institute has set a world-class benchmark for campuses across India and beyond. This transformative project serves as an inspiring blueprint for educational institutions worldwide seeking sustainable innovation solutions.
If you are an educator, policymaker, or student leader, NIT Jamshedpur’s Waste-to-Art journey offers a replicable model to start your own campus-level circular economy movement—one sculpture, one idea, and one piece of scrap at a time.
