A total of 5,047 students of the 2015-16 graduating batch of the KIIT University received their degrees at its 12th Annual Convocation in the presence of Nobel laureate Professor Sir Richard John Roberts.
Of them, 52 students got PhDs in various disciplines. The university conferred Honoris Causa degrees of DSc and Dlitt on Prof Roberts and Wockhardt Group Chairman Dr Habil Khorakiwala, respectively.
Delivering the convocation address, the Nobel laureate advised the students to set a goal and work towards it with dedication and hard work.
“It is important in life to look at every opportunity that comes one’s way. Embrace the change if something interesting comes along. look for unusual things in life and latch on to any lucky breaks and take its full advantage,” he remarked, citing examples from his life and career.
Elaborating that his own postdoctoral degree from the Harvard University and Nobel prize were possible due to such lucky breaks, he added, “Coming to this university was a lucky break for you, and you must make the most of it,” observed Roberts. His wife Madam Jean Elizabeth Roberts was also present on the occasion. Dlitt recipient Dr Khorakiwala said he is privileged to receive Dlitt from the KIIT University.
University Chancellor Prof Nl Mitra advised students to work for betterment of the society.
“It is your reputation at your work place, batch after batch that makes the future of the coming generation bright. Networking of alumnus of the University brings the two classes of people together in an effort of organized job market”, he said. He advised the students to follow the footprints of the KIIT and KISS founder Dr Achyuta Samanta.
Earlier in his report, university VC Prof PP Mathur said faculty members and research scholars of the university published around 700 research papers in peer reviewed journals and around 300 papers were presented in national and international seminars and conferences in the last year. He informed that KIIT has organised more than 90 international and national seminars, conferences and workshops.
Shalini, BTech (Civil), Chitra Shijagurumayu, MTech (CEM) and Avinash Panda, BTech (Civil) won Founder’s Gold Medals for their outstanding all-round and academic performances. Sixteen students were awarded Chancellor’s Gold Medal, while 30 students got Vice Chancellor’s Silver Medal. PK Bal Memorial Gold Medal and Nanibala Memorial Gold Medal were also given away on the occasion.
KIIT Registrar Dr Sasmita Samanta, along with Members of the Board of Management and Academic Council, were present.