Prem Watsa, the founder and chairman of Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., has generously donated $5 million (approximately Rs 41 crore) to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, in support of advancing brain research.
Recognized as a ‘Distinguished Alumnus’ by the institute in 1999, Mr. Prem Watsa expressed his admiration for the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at IIT Madras. Launched in March 2022, this center aims to capture detailed images of the human brain at the cellular level, facilitating significant scientific advancements and technological innovations.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Prem Watsa, who also serves as the CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings, commended the exceptional quality of work and dedication of the team at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre. He highlighted the center’s unique technology platform, which enables the generation of high-resolution images of the human brain.
Prem Watsa inaugurated Manohar C Watsa Stadium at IIT Madras in 2017
In 2017, Prem Watsa had inaugurated a stadium at IIT Madras, named after his father, ‘Manohar C Watsa’. This state-of-the-art facility includes a synthetic track, reflecting his commitment to supporting both athletic and scientific excellence at his alma mater.
About five decades ago, with a mere ₹64 in his pocket, which equated to a humble $8 US, Prem Watsa embarked on a journey to Canada. Today, the global Indian presides over an insurance empire that generates an annual revenue exceeding $10 billion, earning the moniker of the ‘Canadian Warren Buffett’.
Despite spending more than 50 years of his life in Canada, where he ascended the entrepreneurial ranks to become one of the nation’s most accomplished businessmen, Watsa has steadfastly maintained his connection to his origins. He has never lost an opportunity to be of use to his homeland.
