GITAM awards degrees to 3,052 students at 17th convocation
GITAM Deemed to be University conferred degrees on 3,052 students at its 17th convocation held here on Sunday.
The graduating students included 2,146 undergraduates, 750 postgraduates and 156 doctoral scholars from disciplines including engineering, management, science, humanities, architecture and pharmacy. Twenty-nine students received gold medals for academic excellence.
Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar was the chief guest at the convocation. GITAM Chancellor Virander Singh Chauhan delivered the convocation address, while GITAM President and Member of Parliament M. Sribharat presided over the ceremony.
Honorary doctorate
A major highlight of the convocation was the conferment of the honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree on Ramaswami Balasubramaniam, a Member of NITI Aayog.
The university recognised Dr. Balasubramaniam for his contributions to healthcare, education, rural development and evidence-based public policy through the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement and the Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement.
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Chandrasekhar said that rapid technological advances, particularly in artificial intelligence and robotics, were transforming professions and industries. He stressed the need for continuous skill development, pointing out that skills relevant today could become obsolete as technology evolved.
“Whenever one door closes, a new opportunity opens,” he said, urging the graduates to view technological change as an opportunity rather than a barrier.
Dr. Chandrasekhar also advised the students to set clear and specific goals. He said that clearly defined objectives would help them focus their efforts and improve their chances of achieving their ambitions. He also commended Mr. Sribharat for raising issues relating to higher education and the challenges faced by universities before parliamentary committees.
Focus on adaptability
M. Sribharat said artificial intelligence was rapidly transforming systems across the world and urged the graduates to remain adaptable, curious and open to continuous learning. He called upon them to take a proactive approach, embrace technological change and equip themselves to play a meaningful role in shaping the future.
The convocation was attended by GITAM Vice-Chancellor Errol D’Souza, Pro Vice-Chancellors Y. Gouthama Rao and B. Geetanjali, Registrar D. Gunasekharan, faculty members, and the families of the graduating students.