Hyderabad, Oct 1 (Representative) Prof T G Sitharam, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), emphasised the need for University of Hyderabad (UoH) graduates to continuously upskill and become job creators rather than job seekers. Addressing the 24th Convocation of UoH at the Global Peace Auditorium, Brahma Kumaris Shanti Sarovar, Gachibowli, on Tuesday, Sitharam highlighted the pivotal role of youth in driving India’s growth and achieving the vision of a developed nation by 2047. As the chief guest, Sitharam congratulated the university on completing 50 years of excellence and urged graduates to embrace the challenges of a rapidly changing technological landscape. He noted that with advancements like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), continuous learning and skill development are crucial to remain relevant in today’s job market. “In this era of rapid technological disruptions, merely graduating is not sufficient. Lifelong learning and staying updated with new skills are imperative,” he said. He praised UoH for its significant contributions to research and innovation and for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 effectively. Sitharam also highlighted AICTE’s transformation from a regulatory body to a facilitator, supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and research in over 14,000 institutions across the country. He cited AICTE’s success in establishing Institute Innovation Councils and fostering entrepreneurial spirit, which has led to the creation of over 6,600 startups and the filing of 18,000 patents.
“The goal is to encourage every graduate to venture into entrepreneurship and contribute to India’s economic growth. India’s startup ecosystem is now the third largest in the world, and the youth have a major role to play in this transformation,” he added. Sitharam further pointed out that India’s digital public infrastructure, including advancements like UPI and DigiLocker, has become a model for the world. He also underscored the country’s achievements in higher education, with a goal to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio to 50 per cent by 2035, as outlined in the NEP 2020. He encouraged graduates to stay grounded, uphold universal human values, and contribute to nation-building, whether by working in corporations, starting their own ventures, or pursuing research and development. “Your degree is not just a certificate; it is a key to unlocking the limitless possibilities ahead. Use it wisely, and remember to give back to society,” he urged the graduating students. Telangana Governor and Chief Rector of the University of Hyderabad (UoH), Jishnu Dev Varma, extended his warmest congratulations and emphasised that education is a powerful tool for transformation, quoting Nelson Mandela’s words: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
He urged the graduates to use their education not just for personal success but also to uplift others and address societal challenges. Highlighting the values of empathy, compassion, and integrity, he reiterated that true leadership is not only about success but about inspiring others and serving the community, as echoed by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. UoH Chancellor Justice L. Narasimha Reddy and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Basuthkar Jagadeeshwar Rao also addressed the gathering. Prof. Rao presented the university’s annual report, detailing the academic accomplishments of the institution. A total of 1,746 students were awarded degrees, including 236 Ph.D. scholars and 164 gold medal recipients. Additionally, five young faculty members received the Chancellor’s Award for their exceptional contributions in teaching and research. The recipients were: Dr N Prakash Prabhu, Dr Prathap Kullu, Dr Kavi Javan Jose, Dr Assima Jana, and Dr Ranjit Kumar Dehoori.