636 degrees conferred during 12th convocation of IIT Mandi

A total of 636 degrees were conferred during the 12th Convocation of IIT Mandi. 16 medals were awarded to recognise the achievements of outstanding students.

In Short

• IIT Mandi held its 12th Convocation with 636 graduates
• Increase in female graduates from 23.36% to 27.20%
• Shashwat Guptaa received President of India Gold Medal

The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi celebrated a significant milestone with its 12th Convocation, honouring the achievements of the Institute and its graduates. A total of 636 students (463 male and 173 female) received their degrees across various disciplines during the ceremony.

The graduating class include:

A notable highlight of this year’s convocation is the remarkable increase in the proportion of graduating female students, rising from 23.36% in 2023 to an impressive 27.20% in 2024. This reflects IIT Mandi's steadfast commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.

In recognition of academic excellence, Shashwat Guptaa, BTech graduate in Mechanical Engineering, earned the prestigious President of India Gold Medal for achieving the highest CGPA among undergraduate students. Additionally, Jain Hiya Sudhir, a BTech graduate in Bio Engineering, received the Director's Gold Medal, for outstanding all-round performance among undergraduate students, and Devanshu Sajwan, a MSc graduate in Chemistry, received the Institute’s Gold Medal for overall outstanding performance.

ABOUT THE EVENT

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Manoj Jain, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), as the Chief Guest. Joining him as Guests of Honour were Professor Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar; Dr Narendra Kumar Arya, Director of ER & IPR at DRDO; and Krishna Ika, CEO & Chairman of Brainwave Science. Professor Laxmidhar Behera presented the Director’s report, encapsulating the Institute’s remarkable accomplishments.

Sharing the message with passing out students, Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (Retd.) stated, “The vision of IIT Mandi is to be a leader in science and technology education, knowledge creation, and innovation. IIT Mandi is committed to ensuring that each of you emerges as a future leader in society and for our country—whether in science and technology or in the realms of entrepreneurship and sustainability.”

Further, Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (Retd.) added, “IIT Mandi is home to several schools and centres, and this year we proudly inaugurated the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (C3DAR), aligning with national priorities on disaster risk management. This centre aims to foster cutting-edge research and develop innovative solutions in climate change adaptation, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.”

During the convocation report presentation, Professor Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, congratulated the graduating class, stating, “This milestone signifies the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a journey filled with opportunities to make a meaningful impact.”

He highlighted the Institute’s recent developments, including new centers and academic programmes, as well as the achievements of its alumni. Notably, he recognised Mr. Nitesh Kumar, a BTech. 2020 Electrical Engineering alumnus, for winning the Gold Medal in Men’s Singles Badminton (under SL3 Category) at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. “IIT Mandi values its alumni and celebrates their contributions,” he said.

During his address, Professor Behera also announced the establishment of the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (C3DAR), focusing on innovative solutions for climate adaptation and disaster resilience in the Himalayan region. He emphasised, “By leveraging technologies like remote sensing, AI, and IoT, we aim to enhance real-time monitoring and early warning systems. With ongoing infrastructure development and a commitment to academic excellence, IIT Mandi is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders in sustainable development.”

Delivering the Convocation address, Chief Guest Manoj Jain remarked,“I congratulate the students graduating today from IIT Mandi. In a short span of time, IIT Mandi has carved a niche for itself in the ever-evolving landscape of professional education in India. I am confident that the graduating students will carry forward the legacy of Brand IIT, contributing significantly to both the aspirations of a Viksit Bharat and the global economy. The success of these students in their professional endeavours will continue to highlight the pivotal role IIT Mandi plays in building the human, social, and intellectual capital of our nation."

During his address, Guest of Honour Professor Rajeev Ahuja emphasised that today marks the end of a rigorous academic journey and the beginning of exciting new paths for the graduating class. He noted that their dedication and intellect would drive their future success. As they step into the professional world, he encouraged them to uphold the core values of innovation, integrity, and inclusivity instilled at IIT Mandi, which will guide them in making a positive impact on society.

Guest of Honour Krishna Ika urged the graduating class to leverage their skills to address urgent challenges in rural India through innovative startups, which can enhance quality of life and drive economic growth. By creating opportunities in villages and towns, they can transform these areas into thriving extensions of urban centres, ultimately fostering a brighter and more inclusive future for the nation.

Guest of Honour Dr Narendra Kumar Arya highlightedthat IIT Mandi emphasises all-round development of students, encouraging them to excel not only in academics but also in sports, culture, and personal growth. With its unique blend of technology, management, Indian knowledge systems, and the surrounding hills, IIT Mandi is poised to become a global leader in technology leadership, innovative design, and value-based engineering.

The 12th Convocation of IIT Mandi not only celebrated the achievements of its graduates but also reinforced the Institute's dedication to advancing education, research, and innovation. With a strong focus on diversity, sustainability, and cutting-edge research, IIT Mandi continues to inspire and lead in the global academic and technological landscape.