IIT Kharagpur convocation witnesses sharp increase in doctoral degrees

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 28: The 65th convocation of IIT Kharagpur witnessed 372 scholars being awarded PhD degrees. This shows a sharp increase of 21 percent compared to last year’s figure of 295. This year 2802 students are being awarded degrees ranging from Bachelors to PhDs in all.

Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Addressing the students, Ramesh Pokhriya emphasized on the need to conduct research to offer a better life for the billion-plus people in the country and re-explore her scientific heritage. “I have no doubt that this educational system founded in our rich culture and values will help us unlock the hidden potentials of our citizens. We have urged educators, in the draft document on education policy, to underline “traditional Indian values such as service, non-violence, cleanliness, truth, selfless work, tolerance, honest hard work, respect for women, elders, and all the people and their inherent capabilities regardless of background and concern for the environment,” he said.

Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Kharagpur and Chairman, R P Sanjiv Goenka Group was also present at the Convocation. Prof. Sriman Kumar Bhattacharyya, Director (Officiating), IIT Kharagpur, presided over the function.

Goenka emphasized problem-solving nature of higher education and motivated the students to contribute towards the sustained development of the country through the use of technology, knowledge and skills.

“We are living in a rapidly changing world that provides new opportunities often of an interdisciplinary nature. But, utilizing such opportunities requires critical thinking, knowledge of diverse domains and a deeper understanding of the needs and aspirations of the society. A balanced, friction-free and united society is the only means by which India can become an economic superpower in the world,” he said.

The Research Park at Kolkata was also inaugurated by the Minister digitally. While the Research Park, the first of its kind in eastern India, will foster entrepreneurship skills by bringing research, development and the industry under a single roof. Young entrepreneurs, typically using research and technology developed in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur, will be incubated in this facility.

The HRD minister also gave away gold medals to seven toppers.

The Director Prof. S K Bhattacharyya urged these toppers as well as the 2500+ students who will be awarded degree on the coming Tuesday to take tender care of the fellow countrymen while they set their path to conquer the world.

“They have supported your education in the sincere hope that you will make their world better. Please try your best to ensure a smile in the face of fellow citizens through social justice, societal sustainability with due respect to the Indian-ness, which is our great culture,” he said.