STORY CREDITS
Writer: Vanajakshi BH
Photo: IITGN Photo
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) hosted its Award ceremony & 13th Convocation at Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, yesterday and today by conferring degrees to a total of 530 students.
This year, 56 students received medals, including 40 gold medals and 17 silver medals for excellence in various categories such as academics, outstanding research, innovation, leadership, social service, sports, arts & culture, and so on. During the Award Ceremony, which was held on June 28th, 2024, 42 medalists received their medals. 14 medalists received the medals during the Convocation. And Mr Ron Mehta and Mr M R Patel received the prestigious Institute Fellow Award.
Honorable Chief Guest Shree Rishad Premji delivered an inspiring speech at the convocation ceremony for the Class of 2024. He congratulated the graduates on their achievements and acknowledged the institution’s reputation for cutting-edge innovation, development, and curriculum.
Mr. Premji emphasized that while formal education equips students with technical knowledge and professional skills, it doesn’t necessarily prepare them for life’s complexities. “There is no formal school for life, no guide, no navigation for living a better life,” he remarked, noting that true wisdom comes with age and experience.
Reflecting on his own life, Mr. Premji shared three key lessons that have shaped him:
- Non-Negotiables: Identifying and adhering to core values.
- What Truly Matters: Focusing on what is genuinely important in life.
- Simplification: Striving for simplicity to navigate life’s complexities.
He illustrated these points with personal experiences, offering valuable insights and advice to the graduates as they embark on their new journeys.
Earlier to the Chief Guest’s address, Shri Sanjiv Puri, Chairman, Board of Governors of IIT Gandhinagar and Chairman and Managing Director, ITC Limited, addressed the audience.
Mr. Puri delivered an inspiring Convocation Address to the graduating students of IIT Gandhinagar. He praised the institute’s research laboratories, innovative culture, and commitment to sustainability, highlighting initiatives like the solar park and sustainable practices. Mr. Puri commended IITGN for producing excellent engineers and responsible citizens through unique programs such as community immersions.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and staff for their dedication, making IITGN a source of national pride. To the graduates, Mr. Puri acknowledged their sense of fulfillment and nostalgia, advising them to pursue careers that ignite their passion to make a meaningful impact.
Addressing global challenges, Mr. Puri discussed geopolitical tensions, climate emergencies, and economic uncertainties, noting India’s growth and opportunities due to sound policies and entrepreneurial potential. He urged graduates to seize these opportunities despite global challenges.
Focusing on sustainability, Mr. Puri emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and extreme weather events. He stressed the importance of reducing fossil fuel usage and transitioning to clean energy, encouraging graduates to contribute solutions and build resilience in a hotter world.
“Choose something you will be passionate about, and that is the only way you will be able to make a difference and have an impact,” advised Mr. Puri. Spoke.
Announcing the total number of degrees and medals awarded to the Class of 2024 at IITGN, Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, gave a brief overview of the Institute’s activities and achievements during the year.
At the 13th Convocation of IIT Gandhinagar, attended by esteemed guests including Shri Rishad Premji, Executive Chairman of Wipro Limited, the institute celebrated its largest graduating class with 530 students receiving degrees across various disciplines. Highlights included the inauguration of Phase 1B infrastructure by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, marking significant campus expansion with new academic buildings and upcoming student facilities. Recognised for academic excellence, IITGN advanced to 18th in engineering and 24th overall in NIRF rankings, and launched pioneering programmes in Integrated Circuit Design, Artificial Intelligence, and e-Masters degrees. The institute introduced innovative academic terms and professional education initiatives, enhanced research capabilities with new facilities, and secured substantial funding for projects. The Centre for Safety Engineering achieved NABL and BIS accreditation for its Fire Engineering Research Laboratory and signed a strategic MoU with DG-FS, CD & HG to advance fire safety research. The Centre for Creative Learning trained thousands of teachers, expanded its global outreach, and the Archaeological Science Centre introduced courses on Geospatial Technology and established an Indian Knowledge Systems Cell. The Design and Innovation Center and Leadership Development Initiative hosted workshops and leadership programs, while the Dr Kiran Patel Centre for Sustainable Development collaborated on capacity building initiatives. The IITGN Library played a pivotal role in resource expansion and skill development.
Prestigious events included a virtual interaction with Prime Minister Modi on the Semiconductor Mission of India, and the 11th Academic Advisory Council meeting. Distinguished visitors included Prof. Ashoke Sen and Prof. P. Balaram, and the 12th Leadership Conclave gathered eminent thinkers to discuss long-term strategies. ‘CoLab 2024’ fostered collaborations with over 150 participants, and international engagements included agreements with Deakin University and Japanese organisations. Notable academic events included workshops on nanomaterials and geotechnical design, GIAN courses, and conferences on mathematics and nanomaterials. Faculty accolades included Prof. Vimal Mishra receiving the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, and Prof. Indranath Sengupta winning the National Teachers’ Award. Additional honours included Prof. Projesh Nath Choudhury receiving the Subhash Bhatt Award, Prof. Vineet Vashista’s five-year membership with INYAS, and several other faculty members receiving national and international recognition. Sporting achievements included IITGN excelling in the 37th Inter-IIT Aquatics Meet and hosting the 56th Inter-IIT Sports Meet. Twenty PhD scholars secured the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship, and numerous students received prestigious awards and fellowships. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center supports 40 startups, with notable successes for Galanto Innovations, Agrocast, and Kalam Innovations. IITGN’s commitment to sustainability and knowledge sharing was recognised with the Star Campus Award 2024, AESA Award 2024, and International Green University Award 2023. Significant philanthropic support exceeded Rs. 10 crores, and the establishment of multiple new scholarships and alumni achievements underscored the institute’s dedication to excellence and community support. The IIT Gandhinagar Alumni Collective was established to foster a closer connection among alumni and between alumni and the institute, while the NEEV program impacted women and youth from underserved communities through skills development and entrepreneurship. The Nyasa team supported on-campus contractual and construction workers, providing schooling for their children and organising medical camps. As these achievements are celebrated, heartfelt gratitude is extended to the faculty, students, alumni, and benefactors for their unwavering support and dedication, aiming for continued excellence, innovation, and impact in all endeavours.
Congratulating all degree recipients and medal winners as well as their parents and family members for all the hard work and patience leading to this success, Prof Rajat Moona said, “In your years at IIT Gandhinagar, you have forged strong friendships and relationships, some of which will last a lifetime. As you advance further in your career, I am certain that you will look back at these years fondly. IIT Gandhinagar has always cherished bonds with its young, dynamic and vibrant alumni base. As IIT Gandhinagar surges ahead in its journey, we stand to gain from the perspectives and experiences of our alumni. I hope you will remain actively engaged with us as you scale great heights in your career. We will continue to take great pride in your success and cheer you on as you move from strength to strength. Wherever you are in the world, you will be an integral part of the IITGN family”
The entire event was also streamed online on IITGN’s YouTube channel.