IIIT Hyderabad Marks the Release of Roots & Wings, the Authorized Biography of Governing Council Chairman Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala

Hyderabad, June 25, 2026: The International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad) marks the release of Roots & Wings: Building India's Deep Tech Ecosystem, the authorized biography of Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Chairman of the institute's Governing Council and one of India's most distinguished technologists, innovators and institution builders.
Authored by entrepreneur and ecosystem builder Saloni Malhotra, Roots & Wings traces Dr. Jhunjhunwala's remarkable journey over four decades — from returning to India in 1981 with the conviction that world-class technology could be built in the country, to becoming a pioneering force behind India's deep-tech ecosystem. The book offers an intimate account of the ideas, leadership, and collaborations that have shaped his enduring contributions to technology, entrepreneurship, and nation-building.
As a professor at IIT Madras, Dr. Jhunjhunwala transformed the relationship between academia and industry, championing research that addressed real-world challenges. His work has influenced India's telecommunications revolution, electric mobility, energy systems, and startup ecosystem, while his mentorship has inspired generations of researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. His contributions have helped shape one of the country's most vibrant deep-tech ecosystems.
As Chairman of IIIT Hyderabad's Governing Council, Dr. Jhunjhunwala has provided strategic leadership to the institute, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. His vision aligns closely with IIIT Hyderabad's mission of creating technologies that address complex challenges while advancing knowledge for public good.
Congratulating Dr. Jhunjhunwala on the publication, Prof. Sandeep Shukla, Director, IIIT Hyderabad, said: "Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala has been an extraordinary force in shaping India's technology and innovation landscape for over 40 years. His vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to translating research into societal impact continue to inspire generations of researchers and entrepreneurs. At IIIT Hyderabad, we have greatly benefited from his leadership as the Chairman of our Governing Council. We are delighted to see his remarkable journey documented in Roots & Wings, a book that captures not only his personal story but also the evolution of India's deep-tech ecosystem."
More than a biography, Roots & Wings is a chronicle of modern India's deep-tech journey through the life of one of its foremost architects. It offers valuable insights for researchers, entrepreneurs, students, policymakers, and anyone interested in how institutions, innovation, and leadership can come together to create lasting impact.
IIIT Hyderabad congratulates Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala on the publication of Roots & Wings and celebrates his enduring contributions to the institute and to India's technology and innovation ecosystem.