Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and senior space scientist Padmashree AS Kiran Kumar gracing the 14th Annual Convocation of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela as chief guest on Saturday said learning is a lifelong process, because continuous learning gains relevance in this backdrop and it gives an upper hand in this highly competitive and fast changing world.
“We need to improve our skills and abilities to address the issues objectively through rigorous scientific approach where in all the implications of tackling problems that we are facing through many different options,” opined he. “Human beings, who are causing harms to environment for short-term gains, should think of development and environment side by side,” the ISRO chairman emphasized.
While presiding over the function Prof RV Raja Kumar, Director, IIT, Bhubaneswar, told, “Whichever corner of the world you may be going, you can be proud of your alma mater and you should stay connected with your institute and continue to cherish your fond memories”.
He also called upon the students to contribute significantly for the development of the country, especially the mission of PM Narendra Modi for a better and developed India. As many as 532 BTech Degrees along with 48 MSc , 15 MA, 32 MBA, 461 MTech, 61 Integrated MSc (5years), 126 dual degree( B Tech and MTech), 27 MTech by research and 103 PhD degrees of the institute were conferred. On the other hand, eight meritorious students were conferred with institute’s Gold Medal for best academic performance in various departments and classes.
Speaking about details on NIT, Rourkela, Director Prof Animesh Biswas welcomed the guests and spoke about various aspects of the institute since its inception as Regional Engineering College in the year 1961 to the present status with some new initiative’s in coming days. Among others, Deans of various departments were present.