Rourkela, Sep 12: National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) celebrated its 24th Convocation with a graduating class of 2033 students today.
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Delivering the convocation address, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, NITI Aayog member, said, “India stands at a defining moment in its journey towards becoming a developed nation, and you are the generation that will shape this future. Embrace AI and emerging technologies, but never lose sight of the fundamentals of science and engineering, or the human qualities of curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and ethical judgment. Let your knowledge serve a purpose larger than yourself. Keep learning, innovate responsibly, and use your knowledge to solve real human problems and create meaningful social impact. A successful career is important, but a meaningful life is even more important. Go forward with purpose, serve with humility, and let your achievements make a difference.”
Congratulating the students, Prof. Bidyadhar Subudhi, Director, NIT Warangal, said, “Choose excellence over convenience, integrity over short-term success, lifelong learning over complacency, collaboration over isolation, and purpose over prestige. Your medal or degree recognises your past performance, but tomorrow, your character will be the true measure of your success. Use your achievements not as a pedestal to stand above others, but as a platform from which you can help others move forward. The lasting legacy of your work will be measured not by your titles or positions, but by the impact you create and the lives you touch.”
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To honour academic excellence, the institute awarded 11 Institute Gold Medals, 06 Endowment Gold Medals, 08 Endowment Awards, to 61Institute Silver Medalsto the graduating batch of the year 2026.
S. N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman, Board of Governors, NIT Rourkela, said, “As graduates enter a world shaped by AI, digitalisation, sustainability, and rapid technological change, you all must embrace continuous learning, adaptability, integrity, and excellence. India is living through a period of phenomenal transformation, with strong economic growth and unprecedented opportunities emerging across engineering, technology, energy, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. The rapid digital and AI transition, the shift towards renewable energy, and the increasing adoption of automation are reshaping industries and creating enormous possibilities for the younger generation. I urge the graduating students to dream big, be audacious, embrace failure, and strive to achieve something meaningful before the age of 35. At the same time, remain humble, stay grounded, and never forget the sacrifices of your parents and teachers. Success is not merely about the degree you earn or the position you attain; it is about using your knowledge and achievements to serve others and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Another notable aspect of this year’s convocation was the graduation of 47 international students from various academic programs. This includes 19 student from Nepal, 13 from Bangladesh, 6 from United States of America, 5 from Sri Lanka, 3 from Bhutan and 1 from Yemen,
While presenting the Institute Report, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, said, “Dear graduates,- my message especially to Gen-Z as you step into the real world: Today marks not only the culmination of your academic journey at NIT Rourkela, but also the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, responsibilities and challenges. As you step into the real world, remember that it will not always be as structured as your timetable or as predictable as an examination. You will encounter complexity and uncertainty, but let these challenges make you creators, problem-solvers and leaders. Do not merely identify problems, be the ones who find solutions.”
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Prof. Rao further said, “You are a generation with technology at your fingertips, innovation in your mindset and India in your heart. Carry forward the values of excellence, integrity and service that NIT Rourkela has instilled in you, and use your knowledge to create meaningful impact. As India moves towards greater self-reliance and an Atmanirbhar Bharat, I urge you to build, innovate and lead with purpose. The nation is counting on your ideas, your courage and your commitment. My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all our graduates for a bright and purposeful future.”
With B.Tech. degrees in 17 disciplines across 14 departments; a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) offered by the Department of Planning and Architecture; an MBA offered by the School of Management; M.Tech. degrees in 31 specialisations across 12 departments; 4 B.Tech.–M.Tech. dual-degree programmes across 4 departments; 4 Integrated M.Sc. and 7 M.Sc. programmes offered across 5 departments, NIT Rourkela has made a long-cherished contribution to the nation across various fronts.
