Knowledge without values is futile. Technological development should work in tandem with environmental protection for the betterment of the society,” Manohar Parrikar, Minister of Defence said at the recently held convocation ceremony of BITS Pilani, KK Birla Goa Campus. As a chief guest, Parrikar addressed a large gathering of 2,000 comprising the graduating students, their parents and the faculty members of the campus.
The occasion was graced by the presence of chancellor Dr Kumar Mangalam Birla; vice-chancellor Dr Souvik Bhattacharya and directors of other BITS Pilani campuses in Pilani, Dubai and Hyderabad. In his address, Dr Birla reminisced and acknowledged the support extended by Manohar Parrikar in bringing up the BITS Pilani campus in Goa. He pointed out that the holistic education that students had received in BITS places them in a privileged position, and they have an implicit obligation and responsibility to help those who are less fortunate in the society.
This year, 616 students received their degrees, of which 12 were PhD’s. Four bachelor students who were awarded medals are gold medalist Vishakha Gupta, silver medalist Shah Ujash Dipakbhai and bronze medalist Dave Mihika Himanshu and Vasundhara Bhargava.
Where Prof Bhattacharyya gave an overview of the university’s accomplishments and innovation, and entrepreneurship initiatives, Prof Punnekkat gave a detailed report on advances in research, new initiatives and collaborations of the institute.
