THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
- Dr. Kiran Karnik, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIIT-D
- Prof. Ranjan Bose, Director, IIIT-Delhi
- Faculty and Staff of IIIT-Delhi
- Dear Parents and Guardians
- Esteemed guests
- Ladies & Gentlemen
I am happy to join you on the occasion of the 12th Annual Convocation of Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-D). It is indeed, my privilege to be amidst bright minds that are looking ahead to a glorious future. At the outset, I would like to congratulate all of you who will receive your medals and degrees today.
Dear students,
02. Convocations are occasions when we don't just celebrate. We also pause to reflect on the past accomplishments and look forward with anticipation to the bright futures that awaits us.
03. In this splendid academic setting, I encourage each graduate to recognize the profound significance of this Convocation. While you rightfully revel in your personal victories, consider these achievements within the broader context of social progress. Your education endows you not only with knowledge but also with wisdom, that has the potential of enriching not just you, but your family, society and the nation at large. As you step out of the portals of your alma mater, into the realm of employment and higher education, I would exhort you to face challenges with unwavering confidence.
04. You stand on the cusp of something transformative: new beginnings, new friendships, and new opportunities. In this New India, a nation pulsating with possibilities after celebrating 75 years of independence, remember that embracing the 'new' should be your ethos. It should be about pioneering fresh research, making groundbreaking discoveries, forging new connections, and reshaping existing ideas. Every day, remind yourself to embrace novelty.
05. Today, you are recognized as contributors to the vast tapestry of human knowledge. You are the torchbearers of the future, destined to shape humanity's trajectory. Contemplate your role in advancing society locally and globally, and in safeguarding our planet's well-being.
06. IIIT-Delhi, with its exceptional faculty, thriving research initiatives, and innovative environment, has prepared you to make a positive mark on the world. Your awareness of our vulnerabilities, combined with your talent and determination, fills us with hope and pride.
07. I'm delighted to know that IIIT-Delhi currently houses ten cutting-edge research centres and is set to inaugurate the next one. Additionally, the recently-inaugurated Medical Cobotics Centre stands as a testament to our innovation.
08. The Institute's accolades as one of India's most promising educational institutions are well-deserved. While these achievements bring gratification, they must also inspire us to reach even greater heights.
09. The Institute's steadfast commitment to Sustainable Development Goals is commendable. In a competitive landscape like that of the Capital City of the nation, IIIT-Delhi remains socially relevant. Championing gender inclusivity and pioneering research in sustainable mobility, the Institute aims at making our planet a better place. As the Institute commemorates its 15 years of existence, I'm deeply impressed by its accomplishments. I'm confident that it will continue to achieve remarkable milestones in the years ahead.
Dear Students and Faculty Members,
10. Today, the nation’s economy is driven by knowledge. In fact, knowledge is the new currency of the global modern economy. Be it internet of things, 3D printing, artificial intelligence or robotics, institutions, including IIIT-D need to take a giant leap as contributors to new knowledge.
11. In this direction, you will have to make a concerted move from producing engineering graduates to go on to pursue a management degree and end up getting high-salaried jobs in corporations, to encouraging and attracting your students to pursue post graduate education and subsequent research.
12. To my understanding, very few technology graduates go on to pursue specialized education leading up to PhD or other higher degrees. To my mind, this is a trend, that if not reversed will lead to depriving the nation of a specialized talent pool that is essential to drive the engines of a knowledge economy.
Friends,
13. Such knowledge pool is the biggest intangible asset of a nation and its creation can only happen through research and innovation, as developed nations across the world have proven. One of the most significant pointers towards the existence of such asset is filing of patents by any country, and India, despite having a strong scientific and technical manpower reserve, is still far behind in filing and ownership of patents.
14. Basic, fundamental and applied research are areas that IIIT-D should specifically focus upon. Institutions that aim at producing PhDs in Engineering & Science, will be doing a yeomen service to the nation by generating new knowledge that can bring about socio-economic transformation in the lives of millions who yet remain deprived. It would lay the foundation of India becoming a knowledge and technical superpower, ultimately leading up to our evolution as Vishwa Guru, as the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi envisages. IIIT-Delhi through innovative programs should take a lead in this direction and become a role model for other institutions to follow.
Dear Students,
15. Education as per the Bhagwad Gita, provides a person with his or her second birth - “तद द्वीतियम जन्म”. How you utilize this privilege second birth, is entirely in your hands. You are the masters of your destiny as you move ahead, fully equipped with knowledge provided to you by your teachers and faculty.
16. As you embark on this new journey, remember that you are forever part of the IIIT-Delhi community, a network of over 3200 alumni. Harness the power of this community, sharing your experiences and learning from others as you advance in your careers. We take immense pride in your accomplishments and eagerly await news of your future successes.
17. I Once again congratulate the graduating students and their families today and wish you God Speed and success as you leave the haloed portals of your alma mater.
Jai Hind !