STORY CREDITS
Writer: Manasasri Muralidharan
Photo: IITGN Photos
As 668 bright minds stepped into the world beyond campus walls, the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) celebrated the achievements of its largest graduating cohort today in its convocation ceremony, held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The graduating class of 2025 comprised 111 PhD scholars, 141 MTech students, 135 MSc students, 36 MA students, 12 PGDIIT students, 7 BTech Dual Major students, 5 BSc Engineering students, and 221 BTech students. The 111 graduating PhD scholars, the highest number of doctoral degrees awarded in a single year since the Institute’s inception, represented a significant leap in the institute’s research output. The achievement exemplifies IITGN’s commitment to fostering advanced research and innovation since its establishment in 2008, underscoring its growth as a research-focused institution.
Highlighting the academic and research progress of IITGN, Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN, remarked that the past academic year had been one of profound transformation and expansion for the Institute. A new BTech programme in Integrated Circuit Design and Technology was launched, alongside a major curriculum reform that enables BTech students to pursue their 7th semester off-campus, engaging in internships, research projects, entrepreneurial ventures, or academic collaborations. He spoke of IITGN-X, the Institute’s education outreach unit, which successfully conducted two e-Master’s degree programmes in Energy Policy and Regulation and Data Science for Decision Making, and is scheduled to launch a new programme, Applications of Machine Learning in Engineering, in August. Two new academic programmes, the Master of Design and the Professional Leader’s PhD, were approved, alongside ongoing dual-degree collaborations with Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Japan) and Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand).
Further strengthening industry readiness, IITGN established the GIFT International Fintech Institute in partnership with Ahmedabad University and UC San Diego, and launched the Competency Advancement Foundation to deliver short-term, hands-on training in AI, semiconductors, and related high-demand sectors. “From curriculum reforms and pioneering collaborations with organisations such as ISRO, to launching new e-Master’s and research programmes, we have taken deliberate steps to widen access, foster innovation, and deepen our commitment to societal and industrial relevance,” said Prof Moona.
Gracing the convocation was Shri Aditya Ghosh, the event’s distinguished chief guest, an accomplished business leader and the co-founder of Akasa Air. Shri Ghosh was the President and whole-time Director of IndiGo for 10 years. He served as the CEO of OYO Hotels & Homes South Asia, for which he continues to be a member of the company’s board. Reflecting on his professional journey and broad leadership experience, he reminded the students that a convocation is both, a culmination of years of dedication and the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Cautioning against complacency and arrogance, he urged graduates to embrace humility and to view each day as an opportunity for growth. “Our biggest auditor is the person staring back at us from the mirror,” he noted, emphasising the importance of self-reflection and inner accountability.
He left the graduating class with a powerful call to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and continuous self-improvement, urging them to measure success not by wealth or titles, but by the positive impact they make in the lives of others.
This spirit of thoughtful leadership and service was also reflected in the speech by Shri Sanjiv Puri, the Chairman of IITGN’s Board of Governors. He delivered an inspiring address to the graduates, drawing on his experience as Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited and as a national business leader. Known for his visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable development, Mr Puri has been instrumental in guiding IITGN’s growth trajectory. He applauded the Institute’s inclusive and value-based culture, remarking, “What distinguishes IIT Gandhinagar is not solely the pursuit of academic excellence. It also profoundly emphasises values, sustainability, inclusion, and service to society. These qualities are equally important as technical skills in today’s world.”
Addressing the graduating class, Mr Puri urged them to take pride in their achievements and approach the next chapter of their lives with confidence and purpose. He encouraged the graduates to embrace responsibility and offered five reflections for the road ahead – pursue work that excites and engages you; build trust through authenticity and transparency; commit to lifelong learning; nurture ambition and a growth mindset; and embed sustainability in every professional decision. Concluding his speech, he motivated the graduates to lead with humility and contribute to building a more equitable and sustainable world.
Among the high points of the event was the conferring of the Director’s Gold Medal and the President’s Gold Medal, two of the Institute’s highest recognitions for academic and leadership excellence. These awards celebrate scholastic distinction and reflect the Institute’s ethos of holistic education. Ms Falak Vats received the Director’s Gold Medal for PhD, while Mr Hemant Poonia was awarded the Director’s Gold Medal for MTech. Ms Aayushi Jain and Mr Adit Atul Rambhia were recognised with the award for MSc and MA programs, and BTech programs, respectively.
The President’s Gold Medal was presented to Mr Vala Kiritkumar Hemrajbhai (MTech), Mr Mohan Murlidhar Tiratkar (MSc and MA), and Mr Mithil Pechimuthu (BTech) in recognition of their exceptional academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to IITGN. In addition to these prestigious honours, the Institute also conferred the Gold Medal for Outstanding Research to four students, 20 Institute Gold Medals to academic toppers from each graduating batch, one award for Outstanding Leadership, and 14 Commendation Awards for exceptional performance in areas such as sports, entrepreneurship, student initiatives, arts and culture, and social service, reflecting IITGN’s commitment to holistic development and excellence beyond the classroom.
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