STORY CREDITS
Writer: Manasasri Muralidharan
Photo: IITGN Photos
On the eve of its 14th Convocation, the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) hosted its second annual Awards Ceremony at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre to honour the all-round achievements of its graduating students. In addition to highlighting the academic brilliance of its students, the ceremony spotlighted exceptional contributions in research, sports, arts and culture, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community service. From pioneering research and mentoring peers to late-night theatre rehearsals and national-level sports triumphs, these awards are a transcript of IITGN’s commitment to nurturing holistically developed individuals and future leaders.
This year’s ceremony recognised over 45 medallists, including recipients of the President’s and Director’s Gold Medals across MTech, MSc, MA, BTech, and PhD programs. In addition, Institute Gold Medals were awarded to students who demonstrated exceptional academic performance within their respective disciplines, including Biological, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, and Physics. Special commendations celebrated student leadership, entrepreneurship, research innovation, cultural contributions, sportsmanship, and social service. The commendations honoured students who led social initiatives, spearheaded campus festivals, designed solutions to real-world problems, and pursued creative passions with relentless dedication.
Speaking about the awardees and the ceremony, Prof Sivapriya Kirubakaran, Dean, Student Affairs, remarked, “Our students are not just academic achievers, they are change-makers, artists, athletes, researchers, and community leaders. This awards ceremony is a tribute to their multidimensional growth.” The event reinforced IITGN’s core philosophy that education goes beyond intellectual accomplishment; it is also about building character, creativity, and compassion. “At IIT Gandhinagar, we firmly believe that a truly holistic education should enrich both the mind and the soul, shaping students into happy, well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.”
The Chief Guest for the occasion, Shri S P Shukla, Chairman [Aero, Defence, Agri Sectors], Mahindra Group, expressed delight at attending the ceremony and reflected on the evolving profiles and aspirations of students and the IIT system over the years. Addressing the graduating students, he emphasised the need to balance ambition with responsibility. “Make sure that you allocate your time, energy, and resources to carry out your responsibility towards all three – yourself and your career, your family, and society,” stated Shri Shukla as he encouraged students to step into the world with purpose and pride, and to make a name not only for themselves, but also for their alma mater.
Since its inception, the Institute has cultivated a vibrant ecosystem where learning thrives across boundaries through interdisciplinary coursework, immersive research in emerging fields, rural internships that ground students in real-world challenges, and international programs that widen their global perspectives. The Institute redefines excellence through courage in leadership, creativity in problem-solving, and commitment to community. Student-led initiatives are not extracurricular, but integral to the IITGN experience. This is an education that doesn’t just prepare students for careers, it prepares them for life.
A reflection of this ethos could be seen at IITGN’s pre-convocation Awards Ceremony. By honouring diverse forms of student excellence, the Institute continues to foster a learning environment that values intellectual depth, ethical grounding, and social responsibility.
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