On August 11, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) hosted its 56th convocation ceremony at its convocation hall. Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, was the chief guest on the occasion and delivered the convocation address. Prakash Javadekar, minister of human resource development, Vidyasagar Rao, governor of Maharashtra, and Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra, graced the occasion as guests of honour.
The graduating students this year include 308* PhDs, 54* Dual Degree (MTech/MPhil+PhD) and 32* Dual Degree (MSc+PhD). Out of these, 36 research scholars were selected for the 'Award of Excellence in PhD Thesis' for the year 2018. In addition, 29 joint PhD degrees, in association with Monash University, were also conferred by the vice-chancellor and president of Monash University Professor Margaret Gardner, who graced the occasion. (*including PhD degrees awarded during interim convocation)
Besides these, 7 MSc (by Research), 6 Dual Degree (MSc+MTech), 2 Dual Degree (MSc+MPhil), 615 MTech, 63 MDes, 27 MPhil, 106 MMgt, 246 two-year MSc, 25 five-year integrated MSc, 400 Dual Degree (BTech+MTech), 651 BTech degrees, 14 BS, and 14 PGDIIT degrees, were awarded at the convocation.
Presenting the institute’s report for the year 2017-18, Prof. Devang V. Khakhar, director of IIT Bombay informed that IIT Bombay continues to be a sought-after destination for UG and PG studies. “Among 23 IITs in the country, 47 out of top 50 rankers and 63 of top 100 rankers in JEE 2018 have joined IIT Bombay and 9 of the top 10 All-India JEE rank holders have chosen to join IIT Bombay. Similar trends are observed for the candidates qualifying in other entrance examinations as well,” he said. Wishing the graduating students the best in life, Prof. Khakhar said, “The education you have received at IIT Bombay is comparable to the best in the world and you are now ready to take greater challenges and overcome them. Continue to develop your knowledge and skills and always keep in mind how you can help society and the nation through your work. I wish you all the success in your future endeavors.”
This year, 3 students were presented the gold medals for their exemplary performance. The ‘President of India Medal’ was bestowed on Anuj Mittal, a student of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering. The ‘Institute Gold Medal’ was awarded to Dudhia Vashishth Shounakbhai, a student of the Department of Electrical Engineering and the ‘Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal’ was conferred on Sanghvi Yash Chetan, a student of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, many more students were presented with gold medals sponsored by donors.
The degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) was bestowed on Dr. Romesh T. Wadhwani, founder, chairman and CEO of Symphony Technology Group for his contributions as a technologist, a business leader and his efforts at creating social impact through innovative uses of technology.
On the occasion, prime minister Modi unveiled the plaque for new building of the Department of Energy Science & Engineering and Centre for Environmental Science & Engineering. He also visited the technology exhibition organised by the Office of Dean (R&D), IIT Bombay.
Members of Board of Governors and several other distinguished guests from India and abroad also attended the convocation ceremony besides the graduating students and their proud parents.