GROW-N

About GROW-N

It started with the intent to bring together students and professors from three specializations in the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Bombay – water resources engineering, remote sensing, and ocean engineering – onto one platform for meaningful exchange of ideas and information. The group was named GROW: Group on Remote sensing, Ocean, and Water Resources (https://wgiitb.wixsite.com/wgiitb/blog). Apart from regular meetings, a blog was launched to encourage the members to communicate research and share other useful information (check the website). Social media helped to reach out to an audience beyond IIT Bombay. Unfortunately, COVID struck, and all activities ceased.

However, the idea was not forgotten. A new group of volunteers came forward to rebuild the platform in 2024. In January 2025, a conference was organized by GROW with support from the Institute of Eminence (IoE) fund, IIT Bombay. A panel discussion was held to address the challenges in connecting researchers in India. Several participants suggested expanding GROW to include other institutions, leading to the birth of GROW-N (Group on Remote Sensing, Ocean, and Water Resources – for Networking). 

Mission and Vision 

GROW-N has been created to fill the gap of an effective network platform for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers. It is designed to complement, not compete with, the existing organizations. We see it as our duty to inspire the younger generation to achieve excellence and take on leadership roles. The ultimate mission is to promote science and serve society at large. GROW-N will not be controlled by any institution; anyone willing to contribute to its growth is welcome.

GROW-N will be open to collaboration with any organization whose core values align with ours, which are to encourage the exchange of ideas, foster information sharing, and nurture future leadership. The long-term vision is to facilitate the emergence of a society like the AGU or the EGU in India, one that is respected worldwide. 

The Administration and Leadership Opportunities 

The GROW-N administration consists of two key elements: a committee and an advisory board. The committee members will be responsible for drafting and implementing policies, which will be formulated in consultation with the advisory board. At any given time, the committee will have two coordinators from two separate institutions. In line with our vision to nurture leadership, the GROW-N administration will operate horizontally; each committee member will be encouraged to explore effective strategies for managing the assigned activities and tasks. 

Join and Work with GROW-N

As of now, GROW-N exists solely as a virtual entity. Although we do not have any short-term plans to organize physical events, we will be happy to collaborate with any group whose values are aligned with ours. Our role will be limited to the promotion of events and meetings.

You can interact with members by joining the GROW-N WhatsApp Group. The purpose of this group is discuss ideas and exchange information. For light hearted conversation with members, join GROW-N Informal WhatsApp Group. Connect members on  GROW-N Google Group.

GROW-N's social media footprint is increasing on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

Ongoing and Planned Activities 

We have rolled out a Monthly Talk Series, which will include “A Lifetime of Experience” talks by eminent personalities. The first “A Lifetime of Experience” talk will be given by Prof. B. S. Murty, IIT Madras, on 23rd April 2025. Prof. Murty’s talk will highlight his academic journey and his messages for the young generation. The next talk is expected to be given by an industry professional on strategies to bridge the academia-industry divide (potential speakers are being contacted). 

Several well-known researchers were invited to join the advisory board and have expressed their willingness. A few members have been selected to join the committee and are already involved in the planning and execution of activities. Currently, we are looking for motivated members with leadership experience to contribute towards GROW-N’s mission and vision. Those without previous leadership experience can also contact us by highlighting their motivations.