- 734 Degrees, 733 Graduates and One Powerful Message: Dare to Take Risks, Innovate and Lead
- Chief Guest Neelkanth Mishra Urges Youth to Reject the Easy Path and Shape a Self-Reliant India
- AIT President Prof Pai-Chi Li, AIIMS Rajkot Executive Director Dr L N Dorairajan and IITGN Director Prof Rajat Moona Inspire Graduates
- Women Shine, Research Thrives as IIT Gandhinagar Awards 107 PhDs and Honours Top Achievers
- Convocation Celebrates Excellence in Technology, Leadership, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Social Impact
R MANICKAVASAGAM
GANDHINAGAR, JUNE 20
The future of India will not be shaped by politicians, bureaucrats or economists alone, but by the bold decisions of today’s youth, Chief Guest Neelkanth Mishra declared while urging graduates to embrace challenges, pursue technological excellence and build a secure, self-reliant and globally competitive nation. Echoing the call, Guest of Honour Pai-Chi Li encouraged graduates to continue striving for excellence, while Guest of Honour L N Dorairajan presided over the ceremony. IIT Gandhinagar Director Rajat Moona urged students to remain curious, adaptable and purpose-driven as they step into a rapidly evolving world.
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) celebrated its 15th Convocation at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, awarding 734 degrees to 733 graduating students across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes.
The graduating cohort comprised 225 women and 508 men representing 26 States and Union Territories, along with international students from Mauritius and Nepal. Significantly, the Institute awarded 107 PhD degrees, underlining its growing emphasis on research, innovation and interdisciplinary learning.
Addressing the Class of 2026, Neelkanth Mishra highlighted India’s historic economic opportunity and stressed that the nation must become a technology and product-driven powerhouse.
“The journey of India becoming a technological superpower will not be decided by politicians, bureaucrats or economists. This will be decided by the decisions of the young men and women who are sitting in this convocation hall today. Don’t take the easy way out.”
He added: “Embrace the challenges, have the courage to fail in the pursuit of something meaningful, and help build an India that is secure, self-reliant and technologically strong.”
Congratulating the graduates through a virtual address, Prof Pai-Chi Li wished them continued success and growth in their professional and personal journeys.
Prof Rajat Moona said: “Our graduates are graduating from IIT Gandhinagar not only with degrees, but with the ability to think critically, learn continuously and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Expressing confidence in the graduating class, he added: “The world that our graduates are entering is changing rapidly, driven by technology, new ideas and new opportunities. We hope they remain curious, adaptable and purpose-driven as they navigate this journey.”
He further observed: “At IIT Gandhinagar, we have made it a point to nurture not only academic excellence, but also the values of integrity, empathy and leadership which will enable them to contribute meaningfully to society and tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
The convocation also marked the graduation of the pioneer batches of the Executive Master’s Programme, MTech in Integrated Circuit Design and Technology, and MTech in Artificial Intelligence—areas expected to drive the next wave of technological transformation.
Among the top achievers, Jaidev Sanjay Khalane (BTech), Sharma Kanhaiya Vijay (MSc & MA), and Aditya Kant (MTech) received the prestigious President’s Gold Medal. Director’s Gold Medals went to Shambhavi Agrawal, Akshat Khanna, Sayan Bera and Tejas Komalsingh Girase.
Reflecting on his achievement, Jaidev Sanjay Khalane said: “To receive the President’s Gold Medal is a prestigious honour and a moment I will cherish forever.”
“My guiding principle is that technology always has to serve people. IIT Gandhinagar has given me not just education but a purpose in life.”
Shambhavi Agrawal, recipient of the Director’s Gold Medal and Institute Gold Medal in Electrical Engineering, remarked: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by the Institute for my work and achievements.”
“I didn’t think I’d get two medals, which makes it even more special.”
“The Institute has given me the opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally and I have made friends and memories that I will cherish forever.”
The Institute also conferred its prestigious Institute Fellow Award on D P Roy and G K Sharma for their distinguished contributions to the growth and development of IIT Gandhinagar.
The ceremony concluded with the Convocation Oath and National Anthem, celebrating a graduating class poised to shape the future of technology, innovation and nation-building.
