The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) has formally renamed its iconic Sports Complex as the Hiralal R Karani Sports Complex on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in a special ceremony on campus. This significant tribute honours the exemplary life and enduring values of Shri Hiralal Ranchoddas Karani — a symbol of integrity, perseverance, and commitment to education.

Shri Hiralal Karani, who faced early life challenges after relocating from Kolkata to Mumbai, is remembered for the values he imparted through his resilience and dedication. His legacy continues through the positive impact he had on his family and the values that resonate strongly with the ethos of both sports and education promoted at IITGN.

This renaming was made possible through a generous endowment by his granddaughters, Pari, Hetal and Aini.  Shri Parimal Karani, son of Shri Hiralal R Karani,  a distinguished alumnus of the 1975 Civil Engineering batch of IIT Bombay, a successful entrepreneur, and a committed philanthropist based in Ahmedabad played a pivotal role in materialising this endowment. Shri Parimal Karani is also the co-founder of the Maker Bhavan Foundation and a long-term supporter of IITGN, having played a pivotal role in establishing crucial student innovation spaces like the Tinkerers’ Lab and the Maker Bhavan on campus. Through this heartfelt gesture, he pays tribute to his father's memory while reinforcing the Institute’s culture of holistic excellence.

The Hiralal R Karani Sports Complex is a cornerstone of student life at IITGN, providing world-class infrastructure for a wide range of sports and fitness activities. Its facilities include a professional-grade football and cricket ground, a standard athletic track, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, badminton and squash courts, a climbing wall, and more. It serves as a hub for intercollegiate tournaments, intramural leagues, and wellness initiatives, supporting the all-round development of students. Moreover, the state-of-the-art sports facilities at IITGN have also hosted the 36th National Games in 2022 and the Inter-IIT Sports championship in 2023.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Shri Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Gujarat for the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department. Addressing the gathering he mentioned, “The vibrant and inclusive culture at IIT Gandhinagar leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. The visionary foundation laid by Professor Sudhir Jain has been further strengthened under the able leadership of Professor Rajat Moona. Looking ahead, investing substantially in sports infrastructure is not just desirable—it is essential to ensure the holistic well-being of our society.”

With this renaming, IITGN not only celebrates the inspiring life of Shri Hiralal Karani but also reaffirms its commitment to nurturing values and character that transcend academics. The Institute continues to build a legacy where education, innovation, and integrity and holistic development are woven into the fabric of campus life.