Date: July 19, 2024
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras held its 61st Convocation Ceremony today, marking a significant milestone in the academic journey of its graduates. The ceremony saw the conferral of degrees across various disciplines, including PhDs, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.
Key Highlights:
- PhD Awards: A total of 444 PhDs were awarded. This includes PhDs, Joint Degree PhDs with foreign institutions, and Dual Degree PhDs. The joint degrees involve collaborations with universities in Australia, Singapore, France, and Germany.
- Degree Awards:
- B.Tech: 764 graduates, including 27 with Honours
- Dual Degree B.Tech and M.Tech: 277 graduates
- M.Tech: 481 graduates
- M.Sc: 151 graduates
- M.A: 42 graduates
- Executive MBA: 50 graduates
- MBA: 84 graduates
- M.S: 236 graduates
- Web-enabled M.Tech for Executives: 107 graduates
Chief Guest’s Address:
Dr. Brian K. Kobilka, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2012), delivered the keynote address. He shared insights from his successful career, emphasizing:
- Finding Passion: Identifying and pursuing something one loves.
- Role Models and Mentors: The importance of guidance at various career stages.
- Strengths and Weaknesses: Leveraging strengths and managing weaknesses.
- Life Balance: Maintaining a fulfilling life outside academics.
- Embracing Failure: Learning from failures as a crucial element of success.
Director’s Report:
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, highlighted several achievements:
- Patents: IIT Madras exceeded its target by filing 419 patents during the year, including 85 international filings. The institute was granted 445 Indian and 15 international patents.
- Incubation Cell: The IITM Incubation Cell, a leading deep-tech startup hub, now boasts a portfolio of 365 startups valued at INR 45,000 Crores (US$5.4 Billion). The goal for the fiscal year 2024-25 is to incubate 100 more startups, focusing on space, manufacturing, robotics, assistive technology, climate tech, fintech, and AI.
The convocation not only celebrated the academic achievements of the graduates but also showcased IIT Madras’s continued commitment to innovation, research, and fostering entrepreneurship.
