IIIT-Dharwad convocation: Graduates asked to power Viksit Bharat

Dharwad: Urging graduates to align their careers with the country’s growth trajectory, IIT-Delhi director Rangan Banerjee said India’s rapid digital transformation has been powered by the intellectual strength of its youth.

Delivering the convocation address at the eighth annual convocation of Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Dharwad on Saturday, Prof Banerjee highlighted India’s significant technological strides in areas such as banking transactions, ticketing and online commerce. He said the country’s expanding digital infrastructure reflected the innovation and capability of young engineers and professionals.

Encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to national development, he advised them to plan their careers in tune with the nation’s aspirations.

At the convocation, Shiva Shankar B, who secured the highest Cumulative Performance Index (CPI) of 9.93, received the President of India Gold Medal and the Institute Gold Medal. The honours were presented by Union minister Pralhad Joshi and Prof Banerjee.

Aditya Raj and Srijan Shukla, both with a CPI of 9.84, jointly received the Institute Gold Medal, while Shete Rinchal Sachin, with a CPI of 9.43, was awarded the Best Outgoing Girl Student honour. Aditya Raj also received the Director’s Gold Medal.

A total of 253 students graduated with BTech degrees, while two received MTech degrees. Among them, 136 were from Computer Science and Engineering, 66 from Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and 51 from Electronics and Communication Engineering.

Speaking on the occasion, Pralhad Joshi reminded students of their responsibility in nation-building and said India had proven its technological strength in sectors such as space and vaccine development. He expressed confidence that with a growing pool of technical talent and institutions like IIIT-Dharwad nurturing young minds, the country would realise its vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Chairman of the Board of Governors Jalaj Dani told graduates they were entering a competitive world where hard work and confidence would determine success. IIIT-Dharwad director Prof Mahadev Prasanna outlined the institute’s academic achievements.