GITAM’s 16th Convocation Celebrates Applied Learning, Research, Innovation and Societal Impact

Bengaluru, July 21, 2025: GITAM Deemed to be University held its 16th Convocation at its Hyderabad campus today, marking a pivotal moment for 1,842 students who graduated from undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The event was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Errol D'Souza, with the Chief Guest Padma Shri Dr. Kiran Karnik, former President of NASSCOM, delivering the convocation address.
Degrees were conferred upon 1,526 undergraduate, 256 postgraduate, and 60 Ph.D scholars. In recognition of academic excellence, 23 Gold Medals were awarded to first-rank holders and all-round performers. Among the recipients were Mahalakshmi Shivpur (overall topper, B.Tech.), Simarpreet Kaur (B.Tech CSE-AIML), Sneha Agarwal (MBA), and Shaik Muhammed Shujad Abdulla (M.Tech CSE, also Best PG All-Rounder). The Best UG All-Rounder award was conferred on Mashetty Varshith, who also led the graduates' pledge.
Three distinguished individuals were conferred honorary degrees. Dr. B. Venkatraman, former Director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), was awarded the Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) for his work in nuclear engineering and non-destructive evaluation, which has strengthened India’s capabilities in defence and aerospace.
Arunachalam Muruganantham, social entrepreneur and inventor of a low-cost sanitary pad machine, received the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) for improving menstrual health among rural women and creating livelihood opportunities at the grassroots.
R. Venkateswara Rao, senior bureaucrat and former government secretary, was conferred the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) for his long-standing contributions to public administration, governance systems, and institutional reform.
Prof. Errol D’Souza, Vice-Chancellor, said, “In a world shaped by interdependence and uncertainty, success is not about never failing but about moving forward with resilience, empathy, and the ability to work together.”
M. Sribharat, President of GITAM and Member of Parliament (Visakhapatnam), said, “GITAM is on the path to becoming an exceptional knowledge-driven institution advancing on a culture of honesty and compassion. The world is moving fast. AI has taken over the routine. What will matter now is how you think, how you adapt, and how well you work with others. Dream big. I hope to see some of you back here as chief guests, maybe even for honorary degrees. I’m proud of each of you. And I thank your families for placing their trust in us.”
Dr. Kiran Karnik, former President of NASSCOM and Chief Guest, encouraged graduates to think beyond conventional success. “The world today offers more opportunities than ever, but only if you keep learning. Every new technology creates new work. If you don’t work with AI, you may not work at all. But progress isn’t just about income. It is also about how we treat each other. Politeness, compassion, and care still matter," he said, urging students to place innovation, politeness, and social responsibility at the centre of their careers.
The ceremony followed full academic protocol, including a Guard of Honour for the Chief Guest, invocation at Gandhi Square, and academic procession. Attendees included members of the Executive Council, faculty leaders, alumni, and family members.
The convocation marked a turning point for every student who walked across the stage. Each of them now carries knowledge shaped by real-world context and a sense of responsibility that extends beyond the university. Their fields are not abstractions. They are tools that speak to the needs of the present. The decisions they make, the work they pursue, and the questions they choose to ask will define their contribution.
Following the 16th Convocation, graduation ceremonies at GITAM's Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru campuses are scheduled for 26 July and 27 July 2025, respectively.