Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, a faculty member in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, has come into the spotlight following the death by suicide of 20-year-old BTech student Sahil Wakode and the protests that followed on the IIT Bombay campus.On September 21, IIT Bombay suspended Doolla from his administrative position as dean with immediate effect, saying further action would follow after an investigation. The institute also apologised for aspects of an earlier communication about Sahil’s death, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident remained under investigation. Doolla continues to be a professor at IIT Bombay and heads the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, according to the institute’s clarification.
Who is Professor Suryanarayana Doolla?
Doolla is an electrical and energy systems researcher whose work focuses on power electronics and power systems.According to his IIT Bombay profile, he completed his BTech in Electrical Engineering from Nagarjuna University in 2000, followed by an MTech in Energy Systems Engineering from IIT Bombay in 2002. He received his PhD in Power Systems from IIT Delhi in 2007.Before joining IIT Bombay, he worked with Machine 2 Machine in Hyderabad and Power Research and Development Consultants in Bengaluru. He joined IIT Bombay’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering in 2009.
What does he research?
Doolla’s research is centred on the changing way electricity networks are designed and operated.His listed research interests include smart grids, microgrids, active distribution networks, power converter design and control, integration of renewable and distributed energy resources, power-system communication and energy efficiency.He has also worked on research involving microgrids and distribution systems, including projects connected with renewable energy integration. IIT Bombay’s National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education lists him as one of its principal investigators.
His teaching and academic work
Doolla has taught several courses at IIT Bombay, including Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Foundation for Energy Engineering and Distributed Generation and Microgrids.His academic profile also records editorial responsibilities with journals published by organisations including IEEE and Wiley.His work has received several academic recognitions. These include the Prof. S. P. Sukhatme Excellence in Teaching Award in 2021, IIT Bombay’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2017 and the Young Faculty Award in 2009. His profile also lists a Best Paper Award at IEEE TPEC 2021 and other research and editorial recognitions.
His administrative roles at IIT Bombay
Doolla has also held several responsibilities involving students and institute administration.He served as Warden of Hostel 6 from 2012 to 2021 and later became Dean of Students Affairs in March 2023. IIT Bombay’s annual report records his appointment as Dean of Students Affairs from March 3, 2023.He was also involved in the organisation of major entrance examinations. His profile lists him as Organising Chairman of JEE (Advanced) 2022, as well as Organising Chairman for CEED and UCEED that year. He had earlier served as vice chairman for JEE (Advanced), UCEED and CEED.
Why is Professor Doolla in the news now?
Doolla was reportedly invigilating an examination taken by Sahil Wakode shortly before the student’s death. The matter has since led to protests by IIT Bombay students.
Sahil’s parents have made allegations including caste-based discrimination, and a police FIR has named Doolla. These are allegations and have not been established as findings of an investigation. The institute has said further action will depend on the investigation.Students had demanded Doolla’s suspension as part of an 18-point charter submitted to the institute administration. IIT Bombay subsequently removed him from his deanship, while he continues in his faculty role.
The controversy has therefore brought attention to both sides of Doolla’s career: his long academic and administrative association with IIT Bombay and the allegations now being examined in connection with Sahil Wakode’s death.The investigation will determine the facts surrounding the case. Until then, allegations against any individual should not be treated as established findings.
