S. Vishnu Sharma
NIT Rourkela turned center of attraction when it conducted its 22nd graduation day. Over 2065 students received degrees during the function that won the admiration of all.
Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited was the chief guest. S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman, Board of Governors, NIT Rourkela, virtually addressed the gathering.
Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, presented the Director’s report.
NIT Rourkela Graduation Day
The Institute has seen a rise in the number of female students passing out in different streams. This year a total of 457 (more than 22% of graduating students) female students including 208 in Bachelor programs; 186 in Master programs, and 63 in PhD program have graduated from NIT Rourkela.
Graduation day key highlight
Another key highlight of this year’s convocation was the graduation of 93 (72 male and 21 female) international students from various academic programs. These include:
Ø 4 students from the United States of America
Ø 5 from Afghanistan
Ø 3 from Sri Lanka
Ø 5 from Bhutan
Ø 21 from Bangladesh
Ø 30 from Nepal
Ø 25 Non-Resident Indian (NRI) students from India
NIT Rourkela Graduation Day Chief Guest
Uday A. Kaole said it was an honour to be among such vibrant young minds at NIT Rourkela.
As I reflect on my own journey from a student full of dreams to leading a major public enterprise, I see in each of you the same spark and potential.
This day marks the beginning of a new, challenging chapter where your knowledge must translate into performance, with accountability, integrity, and purpose.
Education is the foundation of national progress, and institutes like NIT Rourkela are critical pillars in this journey.
Be adaptable, stay rooted in your values, and always strive to give back. You are stepping into a world of infinite possibilities, make it count, he said.
Academic excellence
To honour academic excellence, the Institute will award 8 Institute Gold Medals, 6 Endowment Gold Medals, 7 Endowment Awards, and 59 Silver Medals to branch toppers of the graduating batch of the year 2024.
NIT Rourkela Board of Governors Chairman
S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman, Board of Governors, NIT Rourkela, said we are in an era defined by youth, innovation, and boundless potential.
‘As engineers graduating into a rapidly transforming world, you are architects of change.’
The digital revolution, powered by advancements in AI and emerging technologies, offers immense opportunities and calls for action, he said.
Embrace adaptability, lifelong learning, and integrity as your guiding principles. Let your dreams be bold, your values unwavering, and your contributions meaningful, he said.
Your alma mater will always take pride in your journey. As you step into this exciting new chapter, I wish you great success and fulfillment, he said.
Director of NIT Rourkela
Prof K Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, said on behalf of the institute I congratulate the graduating class of 2024 on their Convocation.
Being one of India’s leading technical Institutions, NITR takes pride in nurturing competent professionals and responsible citizens, he said.
By introducing new age programs such as B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence, and a growing international student community, we are preparing our graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape, he said.
‘We are honored to once again be entrusted by the Ministry of Education with conducting CSAB 2025 and DASA 2025.’
NITR’s rising national and global rankings, including 19th position in Engineering and 1st among NITs in the THE Asia Rankings, reflect our growing impact, said Prof Umamaheshwar Rao.
NITR is the only NIT across the country and only institute from eastern India to be selected as hub institution under the prestigious ANRF PAIR program, he said.
‘On the patent front, NIT Rourkela has filed 160 proposals, out of which, in the year 2024, 26 were obtained.’
Academics
With 20 academic departments, NIT Rourkela offers a wide range of engineering degree programs beyond the core disciplines, including Food Processing, Industrial Design, Biomedical Engineering, and Life Sciences, among others.
NIT Rourkela Alumni
Another key highlight of the 22nd Convocation ceremony included Distinguished Alumnus Awards to 4 alumni of NIT Rourkela. These included –
Ø Academia and Research – Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India
Ø Industry and Management – Er. Ashok Kumar Basa, Managing Director, C.E.M. Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
Ø Entrepreneurship and Public Life – Er. R. S. Raghavan, Managing Director, Proman Infrastructure Services Pvt. Ltd.
Ø Contribution Made to the Growth of the Institute – Dr. Bhartendu Deo, Head of Electrical, Qatargas North Field Expansion Project
Vision
Prof. Siba Sankar Mahapatra, Professor in charge, 22nd Convocation ceremony of NIT Rourkela said aligning with the vision of Digital India, apart from the hard copies, NIT Rourkela will upload the graduating students’ degree certificates and transcripts on DigiLocker.
This facility will help the graduating students in carrying their degree in a digital wallet and free of the administrative hassles of a printed copy, he said.
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