The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK), hosted its 56th Convocation on July 3, 2023 with Dr Radhakrishnan K Koppillil, Chairperson, Board of Governors (BoG), IIT Kanpur, presiding over the ceremony in which 2127 students received degrees. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Founder and Chairman emeritus, Infosys, who is also a Distinguished Alumnus of IIT Kanpur, graced as the chief guest.
Revered for his exemplary role in driving the course of India’s IT industry, he shared valuable insights on the nation’s progression across sectors and how the graduating students and everyone else, as responsible citizens, can contribute decisively. “As I stand here, reminiscing about my cherished days at IITK, I am reminded of the profound responsibility we bear as educated citizens of our great nation. Just as our founding fathers envisioned, we must rise above affiliations and embrace our role as Indians first. Let us build a mahaan India, where every child has access to education, healthcare, and opportunity. Together, through performance, discipline, innovation, and a mindset of change, we can shape India into a fair and moral leader in science, technology, mathematics, and medicine,” said Mr. Murthy. “Let us cultivate a culture of excellence, openness, and patriotism, and create a civilized society where public interest takes precedence over personal gain. In every role we assume, whether as journalists, professionals, bureaucrats, politicians, or global citizens, let us strive for truth, honesty, and progress. Together, let us embark on this remarkable journey, knowing that the hopes of our nation rest upon us,” he urged.
The convocation also recognized outstanding students across various disciplines. Farzan Adil Byramji from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) was awarded the prestigious President’s Gold Medal. Ananya Gupta from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) received the Director’s Gold Medal (4-year UG program), while Lakshay Rastogi from the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering (BSBE) was honored with the Director’s Gold Medal (5-year UG program). Nandita Gupta from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) received the esteemed Ratan Swarup Memorial Prize, and Vineeth V from the Department of Electrical Engineering (EE) was awarded the prestigious Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Medal.
IIT Kanpur conferred the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree, the highest honorary academic degree from the institute, upon three distinguished personalities in recognition of their exemplary achievements. The recipients of this esteemed accolade included M C Mary Kom (Indian amateur boxer and politician), Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty (Chairperson & Founder, Narayana Health), and Natarajan Chandrasekaran (Chairperson, Tata Sons).
All the graduating students could get their digital degrees through IIT Kanpur’s in-house blockchain technology application, as well, which makes the degree certificates unforgeable, globally verifiable, selectively disclosable and sensitive to user content.
