IIT Bombay hosts 48th Convocation Ceremony

Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw delivered the Convocation Address

Degrees Awarded: 1691

Ph.D. Degrees: 179

Mumbai, August 6, 2010: The Convocation Day marks the culmination of a students academic life for which he has striven so hard. The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay today celebrated the 1^st session of its 48th Convocation ceremony at its campus. This is the first year that the Convocation was held in two separate sessions owing to the large number of students graduating from this prestigious institute. Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairman and Managing Director, Biocon was the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address. In Session - I, held today on August 6,  the Institute awarded Ph.D. and Masters degrees, whereas in Session-II, to be held on August 8, it will award B.Tech., B.Tech. M.Tech. (Dual Degree), and MSc. Degrees.

Prof. Devang Khakhar, Director - IIT Bombay, said, "The institute has emerged as the leading institution for its technology education and producing 'research that makes a difference' in the country. IIT Bombay continues to be the most sought-after destination for undergraduate and postgraduate studies and attracts the top performers in national examinations such as GATE, CEED, NET, JAM and JEE. The fact that among 15 IITs in the country, 67 of top 100 rank holders in JEE 2010 have joined IIT Bombay and 16 of the top 20 JEE rank holders have chosen to join IIT Bombay is a clear  indication that the institute  remains the first choice for the toppers". "The institute has responded pragmatically to the large increase in its student intake by substantially reorienting itself academically, technologically and administratively and using it as a great opportunity to retain its leadership in engineering education in the country," he added.

In this Convocation, a total of 1691 degrees will be awarded, which also includes 196 five year B. Tech. - M. Tech.  dual degree.  Of these, 179 are Ph.D., 1 M. S. (by research), 14 M.Phil.,  706 M. Tech., 83 M. Mgt., 45 M.Des.,  1 PGDIIT, 15 five year Integrated M. Sc., 139 two year M. Sc. and 508 are B.Tech. The number of degrees awarded was 1616 in the 47th Convocation held in 2009.

A total of 32 medals including the President of India Medal to Mr. L.S.V. Tapovan (B.Tech, Mechanical Engineering) and Institute Gold Medal to Ms. Gauri D. Joshi (Dual Degree, Electrical Engineering) will also be given away at the Convocation Ceremony.

Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairman and Managing Director, Biocon Group, in her Convocation Address to the students said, "The Indian economy has come of age after it was unshackled through reforms and liberalization. The world has India in its focus, and, as graduates of the world-renowned IITs, you have a world of opportunities before you. As you step out into the world to build your lives, I urge you to think beyond yourself and aspire to build the lives of others. In the process you will be building your own in a way you never thought imaginable." Commenting on the occasion, Prof. Supratim Biswas, Dean Academic Affairs - IIT Bombay, said, "Being a public institution, IIT Bombay is aware of its responsibilities and obligations, and has decided to use the path of research at all levels to enhance national economic competitiveness. Academic programme, both at undergraduate and post graduate level are being reviewed towards intensifying research culture and orientation of the institute. The Ph. D. student strength has steadily increased and we are on course to achieve our target of 2775 Ph. D. students on roll among 9350 students in the academic year 2018-19.  In the years to come, we will be going all out to produce a pool of scholarly talent that focuses on creative research that directly contributes to the society and economy and adds significantly to the intellectual capital of the nation."

Along with the chief guest, Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the ceremony was graced by many distinguished dignitaries including the Chairman of IIT Bombay Dr. Anil Kakodkar and the Members of the Board of Governors along with the successful students and their proud parents.