PunjabNewsline, Himachal
● The President of India Gold Medalist This Year Is Also A Female Student
● IIT Mandi will celebrate 15th year convocation as home coming for the first batch
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi held its 13th Convocation today at its scenic North Campus in Kamand Valley. The ceremony marked another milestone in the institute’s journey as a premier center of technological innovation and interdisciplinary research in India’s Western Himalayas.
A total of 604 students were awarded degrees this year, including 71 Ph.D., 245 postgraduates, and 288 B.Tech graduates. Among these, over 25 percent of graduates are female. This year’s convocation showcased IIT Mandi’s growing reputation for academic excellence, research impact, and innovation-driven learning and preparation of next-gen entrepreneurs.
The grand event was graced by Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, Former Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), as the Chief Guest who delivered the Convocation Address. In his inspiring speech, he emphasized the importance of innovation for sustainable development and encouraged graduates to lead with empathy and integrity in addressing national goals and global challenges. Dr. Jagannath Nayak, Director, Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), DRDO, and Prof. Budaraju Srinivasa Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, attended as Guests of Honour. The ceremony was chaired by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi.
In his address, Prof. Behera, congratulated the graduating students and lauded their resilience, creativity, and commitment to excellence. He said, “IIT Mandi continues to nurture a vibrant ecosystem of learning and innovation in the Himalayas. Over the years, IIT Mandi has established itself as a hub of interdisciplinary research that bridges between technological advancements and human values. Our graduates are not only brilliant engineers and scientists but attend to challenges of sustainability through technological innovations that resonate with our local and national priorities.”
Lastly, he remarked, “I congratulate 604 students graduating today, 26% of which are female graduates. Remarkable to note is that The President of India Gold Medalist today is also a female student. IIT Mandi albeit a second generation IIT is known for research and innovation. We are putting a special focus on reverse engineering for products which the world today is depending upon. Our achievements are now visible in NIRF Rankings 2025 where we have taken a big leap in overall NIRF rankings. We are committed towards development of the region and working closely for disaster management in the state.
Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, Former Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), said, “I congratulate IIT Mandi for creating such a beautiful campus and institution. Students must think about how they can contribute to the success of nation. Science and Tech should help the society and should not be used in ugly events like the one that happened in Delhi. Science without humanity isn’t useful.
Prof. Budaraju Srinivasa Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad and Dr. Jagannath Nayak, Director, Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), DRDO emphasised students towards contributing to the success of nation. They asked students to focus on becoming job creators and not just job seekers.