Mumbai: Distinguished alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) and founder of the Symphony Group, Mr. Romesh Wadhwani, gifted his alma mater $5 million for establishing a Bio-Science Center.

The announcement was made during an alumni gathering of IIT-B. The money will be used to set up the Wadhwani Research Centre and Bioengineering.

"I owe my success in life to the superior education I received from IIT Bombay, and this is my way of saying thank you," said Romesh Wadhwani.

Anil Kshirsagar, President of the IIT Bombay Heritage Fund, said, "Mr. Wadhwani's generosity is another example our alumni's consistent commitment to give back to IIT Bombay."

Emphasis will be given on research in certain types of cancer fighting bacteria, which includes slowing bacteria division and growth and thus ultimately addressing bacterial diseases like tuberculosis.

"Several international institutes that are involved in world-class research in these areas will be a part of the advisory board,'' said Wadhwani, an electrical engineer from the class of 1969.

Ashok Misra, IIT-B Director, said, "The endowment will help us establish contacts with leading bio-researchers through the Wadhwani Foundation".

"The aid will also help the school to invest in high-end research in healthcare such as Cell Signalling, Bio-Stem cells, Telemedicine", said D. Panda, head of the Bio-Sciences school at IIT-B.