The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, organised its annual convocation in the virtual mode on Sunday. Institute alumnus and executive chairman of Happiest Minds Technologies Limited, Ashok Soota was the chief guest while the executive chairman of Cyient and institute’s board of governors’ chairman BVR Mohan Reddy presided over the function. During the convocation, 1889 students were conferred degrees which included 939 UG, 677 PG and 273 PhD degrees.

Speaking on occasion Soota said, "It’s a privilege for me to deliver this Convocation address at my alma mater from where I graduated more than 50 years ago. It is a matter of pride that IIT-Roorkee ranks amongst the best technological institutions in the world and has contributed to so many sectors of technological development. I am also pleased to see the increased emphasis on R&D and consulting as it is evident from the large number of sponsored research and consultancy projects which have also generated ove Rs 130 crores of revenue for the institution last year.

However, even more, important are the innovations introduced in recent years. These include students’ representation in decision making, the same rules for the hostel of men and women, and no hierarchy amongst faculty.”

Addressing the gathering, Reddy congratulate the outgoing students.  He said, “Covid-19 is profoundly impacting our lives, livelihood and learning; this convocation is no exception. Today we are stepping into real-world to embark on a unique journey, into a world that is undergoing unprecedented changes. The change that is fundamentally transforming the way we live, consume, communicate and manage our resources. Today every industry is on a threshold of a massive technology-led transformation.

You are very fortunate that you are graduating at a time when technology changes are on exponential trajectory opening doors to countless opportunities and challenges at the same time. You must work to use the technology for a better society and gain excellence in whatever you do"

 The institute director Ajit K Chaturvedi said, “While virtual and online events are now a part of us, the lack of physical presence of the graduating students at the time of Convocation is something that we have not yet been able to come to terms with.

We eagerly await normal times when we can warmly welcome you back to the campus.”