May, 14 : Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, an institute of eminence, has conferred the prestigious BITS Ratna Award 2026 on Shri Brij Bhushan and Dr. Champa Bhushan, in recognition of their extraordinary and enduring contributions to BITS Pilani, the BITSian community, and society at large.
Shri Brij Bhushan, a proud alumnus of the inaugural 1965 batch of BITS Pilani, and Dr. Champa Bhushan, who completed her ME (Electronics) from BITS Pilani in 1967, exemplify the true spirit of the BITSian ethos through their professional excellence, philanthropy, mentorship, and lifelong commitment to their alma mater.
Over the years, Shri Brij Bhushan has served the BITS Alumni Association (BITSAA) in several leadership capacities, playing a quiet yet pivotal role in strengthening the global BITSian fraternity with a deep sense of belonging and purpose. In 1986, Shri Brij Bhushan and Dr. Champa Bhushan co‑founded Reston Consulting Group (RCG), a systems integration firm providing telecommunications services to the United States Federal Government, from which Shri Brij Bhushan recently retired.
Their philanthropic association with BITS Pilani has been both visionary and transformative. In 2010, Shri Brij Bhushan made a landmark contribution of USD 25,000, which helped seed a culture of structured alumni giving at the Institute. More recently, the couple established a USD 1 million endowment to support scholarships for girl students at BITS Pilani, underscoring their strong belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of gender equity.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Brij Bhushan said,
“BITS Pilani has played a defining role in shaping my personal and professional journey by instilling strong values, discipline, and skills that have stayed with me throughout my life.”
Dr. Champa Bhushan added,
“Much of what we have been able to achieve, across family life, professional pursuits, and service to society, can be traced back to the strong foundation laid by our alma mater.”
Mr. Prem Jain, Chairperson, BITSAA International, said,
“Shri Brij Bhushan and Dr. Champa Bhushan exemplify humility and a deep human connect. Their early support for the telepresence facility at BITS Pilani and their sustained encouragement of initiatives promoting female education reflect their quiet yet impactful commitment to the Institute.”
Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said,
“Long before entrepreneurship became a mainstream discourse, Shri Brij Bhushan and Dr. Champa Bhushan were nurturing entrepreneurial thinking and building a vibrant alumni community rooted in giving back. Their unwavering vision of BITS Pilani as a world‑renowned institution continues to inspire generations.”