S. Vishnu Sharma
IIT Mandi was the cynosure of all eyes when it held its 12th convocation recently. A total of 636 degrees were conferred during the graduation day.
Out of the total graduates, 463 were male and 173 were female and were from various disciplines. Over 16 medals were awarded to recognize the achievements of outstanding students, say sources from IIT Mandi.
Highlight
A notable highlight of this year’s convocation is the remarkable increase in the proportion of graduating female students, rising from 23.36% in 2023 to an impressive 27.20% in 2024.
This reflects IIT Mandi’s steadfast commitment to gender diversity and inclusion, say sources from IIT Mandi.
Winners
In recognition of academic excellence, Mr. Shashwat Gupta a B.Tech. graduate in Mechanical Engineering earned the prestigious President of India Gold Medal for achieving the highest CGPA among undergraduate students, say sources from IIT Mandi.
Additionally, Ms. Jain Hiya Sudhir, a B.Tech graduate in Bio Engineering, received the Director’s Gold Medal, for outstanding all-round performance among undergraduate students.
Mr. Devanshu Sajwan, a M.Sc. graduate in Chemistry, received the Institute’s Gold Medal for overall outstanding performance.
Chief Guest and Dignitaries
Mr. Manoj Jain, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was the Chief Guest.
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar; Dr. Narendra Kumar Arya, Director of ER & IPR at DRDO; and Mr. Krishna Ika, CEO & Chairman of Brainwave Science were guest of honor.
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, director, IIT Mandi presented the Director’s report, encapsulating the Institute’s remarkable accomplishments.
Chairman of BoG
Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (Retd.) stated, “The vision of IIT Mandi is to be a leader in science and technology education, knowledge creation, and innovation.
IIT Mandi is committed to ensuring that each of you emerges as a future leader in society and for our country—whether in science and technology or in the realms of entrepreneurship and sustainability, he said.
He further said IIT Mandi is home to several schools and centres, and this year we proudly inaugurated the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (C3DAR), aligning with national priorities on disaster risk management.
This centre aims to foster cutting-edge research and develop innovative solutions in climate change adaptation, disaster resilience, and sustainable development, he said.
Director of IIT Mandi
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, congratulated the graduating class.
He said this milestone signifies the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a journey filled with opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Developments
Director of IIT Mandi also highlighted about the recent developments in the institute.
The developments comprised new centers established and academic programs, as well as the achievements of its alumni.
Notably, he recognized Mr. Nitesh Kumar, a B.Tech. 2020 Electrical Engineering alumnus, for winning the Gold Medal in Men’s Singles Badminton (under SL3 Category) at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
C3DAR
Prof. Behera also announced the establishment of the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (C3DAR), focusing on innovative solutions for climate adaptation and disaster resilience in the Himalayan region.
He said by leveraging technologies like remote sensing, AI, and IoT, we aim to enhance real-time monitoring and early warning systems.
With ongoing infrastructure development and a commitment to academic excellence, IIT Mandi is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders in sustainable development, he said.
Chief Guest
Mr. Manoj Jain said ‘I congratulate the students graduating today from IIT Mandi. In a short span of time, IIT Mandi has carved a niche for itself in the ever-evolving landscape of professional education in India.
I am confident that the graduating students will carry forward the legacy of Brand IIT, contributing significantly to both the aspirations of a Viksit Bharat and the global economy.
The success of these students in their professional endeavours will continue to highlight the pivotal role IIT Mandi plays in building the human, social, and intellectual capital of our nation, he said.
Guests of Honor
Guest of Honor Prof. Rajeev Ahuja emphasized that today marks the end of a rigorous academic journey and the beginning of exciting new paths for the graduating class.
He noted that their dedication and intellect will drive their future success. As they step into the professional world, he encouraged them to uphold the core values of innovation, integrity, and inclusivity instilled at IIT Mandi, which will guide them in making a positive impact on society.
Guest of Honor Mr. Krishna Ika urged the graduating class to leverage their skills to address urgent challenges in rural India through innovative startups, which can enhance quality of life and drive economic growth.
By creating opportunities in villages and towns, they can transform these areas into thriving extensions of urban centers, ultimately fostering a brighter and more inclusive future for the nation, he said speaking at IIT Mandi convocation.
Guest of Honor Dr. Narendra Kumar Arya highlighted that IIT Mandi emphasizes all-round development of students, encouraging them to excel not only in academics but also in sports, culture, and personal growth.
With its unique blend of technology, management, Indian knowledge systems, and the surrounding hills, IIT Mandi is poised to become a global leader in technology leadership, innovative design, and value-based engineering.
Achievements and Dedication
The 12th Convocation of IIT Mandi not only celebrated the achievements of its graduates but also reinforced the Institute’s dedication to advancing education, research, and innovation.
With a strong focus on diversity, sustainability, and cutting-edge research, IIT Mandi continues to inspire and lead in the global academic and technological landscape.