NIT-Raipur honors 1,319 graduates in prestigious 15th convocation

RAIPUR: The 15th Convocation of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur celebrated the academic achievements of 1,319 students, recognising the hard work and dedication of 1,055 B.Tech and B.Arch graduates, 229 MCA, M.Sc., and M.Tech postgraduates, and 35 PhD recipients. The event highlighted outstanding performance with the distribution of numerous gold and silver medals.
The convocation was graced by esteemed guests, including Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman and MD of a private company, as the chief guest, and Dr S. Somanath, former Chairman of ISRO, as the special guest. Dr Suresh Haware, Chairman of the Board of Governors, presided over the ceremony alongside Dr N.V. Ramana Rao, Director of NIT Raipur, faculty, and staff.
Dr Rao's address emphasised NIT Raipur's dedication to academic excellence, research innovation, and societal contributions. He highlighted initiatives such as the Quality Improvement Programme (QIP), strategic MoUs with institutions like IIT Kanpur and ISRO, and the institute's strong patent portfolio. He also noted the successful incubation of start-ups through the Technology Business Incubator (TBI). Furthermore, he stressed the importance of holistic student development, including cultural, technical, and sports events, as well as the institute’s commitment to social responsibility through health awareness and sustainability efforts.
Dr Haware spoke about NIT Raipur's rich history, emphasising the crucial role of faculty in nurturing future leaders. He urged graduates to uphold the institute's reputation, apply their knowledge for society’s benefit, and embrace ethical values. He also shared practical life advice, stressing the importance of hard work, viewing challenges as opportunities, and maintaining a rational perspective.
Dr S. Somanath's address focused on the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and adaptability. He congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the support of faculty and parents. Drawing parallels with ISRO’s journey, he emphasised the value of learning from failures and the importance of persistence. He highlighted the transformative potential of technology, urging students to contribute towards solving national challenges in areas such as healthcare, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and environmental sustainability. He also underscored the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex issues.
Sanjay Kirloskar spoke about the significance of the convocation as both a culmination and a new beginning. He emphasised the importance of perseverance, discipline, and resilience, encouraging graduates to apply their education for society’s benefit. He also stressed the importance of ethical and social commitments. Highlighting the power of small actions and their ripple effect, he urged graduates to embrace mindfulness, compassion, and empathy. He encouraged lifelong learning, meaningful relationships, and positive contributions to communities. Concluding his speech, he urged graduates to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact on society.