“No matter the heights you achieve, let honesty be the cornerstone of your success,” said Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space, during the 21st Convocation of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur.
The ceremony also saw Dr. Narayanan and Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, being awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for their distinguished contributions to science and technology.
Presided over by Dr. T.R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor of SRMIST, the event awarded 9,769 degrees—comprising 8,994 undergraduate, 564 postgraduate, and 211 doctoral degrees—along with medals to 157 rank holders.
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra and Chief Guest, in his address urged students to embrace sincerity, hard work, and humility, noting that these values will drive India towards becoming the world’s foremost economic power by 2047.
Reflecting on India’s space journey, Dr. Narayanan remarked,
“In the early days, with crucial support such as the small rocket donated by the USA, India’s space program took its first steps. Since then, India has made a giant leap in aerospace technology and a giant stride in defence technology, evolving into one of the world’s leading nations.”
Vice Chancellor Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan presented the Annual Report, highlighting SRMIST’s commitment to gender equity—women constitute 56.4% of Ph.D. scholars and 44.5% of rank holders. He encouraged graduates to “uplift others, lead with empathy, and carry forward values of integrity, curiosity, resilience, and compassion.”
Dr. M. Ravichandran urged graduates to embrace discipline, resilience, and purpose, aligning their skills with India’s vision for 2047.
The ceremony concluded with a celebration of academic achievement, tradition, and SRMIST’s ongoing mission to nurture leaders who contribute to national progress.
