A total of 530 PhD scholars and 43 international students from around 20 countries were among the 2,764 students who were awarded degrees on Saturday at the 56th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. At 735, less than one-third or 26% of the degree recipients were female students.
Among the graduating class, 20-year-old Chandan Godara was the youngest to receive a degree while 63-year-old Gopal Krishan Taneja was the oldest.
In her address, Chief Guest Dr Tessy Thomas, former Director General (Aeronautical Systems), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), and Vice-Chancellor of Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, described IIT Delhi as “a cradle of innovation, knowledge, and nation-building.”
She urged the students to “take up the mantle of responsible innovation” at a time when the world is being transformed by disruptive technologies. “Whether it is decarbonisation, water conservation, digital equity, bio-innovation, or an engineering marvel, let it be your contribution to society,” she said.
Artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, quantum technologies, satellite systems, and human-machine interfaces were identified as five frontier domains for the future by Dr Thomas as she reminded students of their dual responsibility as innovators and ethical leaders. “The coming years will demand AI to be explainable, unbiased, and human-centric,” she said.
She emphasised that India’s shift from importing to exporting technology is no longer aspirational but a visible transformation. “Indian Space Research Organisation launches, DRDO systems, indigenous semiconductors, AgriTech startups, and Bharat-made AI platforms are proof of these achievements,” she said, crediting institutions like IIT Delhi for anchoring this change.
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“In a world increasingly driven by data, algorithms, and automation, human values will matter more than the valuations,” she added.
Medal winners included Ankit Mondal (President’s Gold Medal), Jaskaran Singh Sodhi (Director’s Gold Medal), and Devinder Kumar (Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal). Two students also secured a perfect CGPA of 10.
A total of 735 women were among the degree recipients.
A Distinguished Alumni Award Wall was unveiled during the ceremony, honouring alumni across academia, public service, and entrepreneurship sectors. Board Chairperson Harish Salve and Director Professor Rangan Banerjee addressed the students, urging them to carry forward the institute’s legacy with integrity and curiosity.