Parameshwara urges graduates to use knowledge and innovation for the benefit of society; 74,763 students receive degrees at VTU convocation

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday (September 26) urged engineering graduates to use their knowledge, intelligence and innovation for the benefit of humanity, emphasising that technological advancement must contribute to the country’s development.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 26th annual convocation of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) at its Jnana Sangama campus in Belagavi, he said graduates would have greater responsibilities as they entered professional life.

“Among those graduating today may be the person who will build India’s next great Artificial Intelligence company, achieve breakthroughs in renewable energy, transform agriculture, or solve social problems. We must never underestimate anyone’s strength or capability,” he said.

Dr. Parameshwara said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology and satellite development were transforming industries and creating new opportunities. Engineers, he said, must continuously update their skills to remain relevant.

“AI is no longer optional — it is essential. Engineering students must learn AI. Learning is lifelong,” he said, adding that technology developed by graduates should contribute to India’s progress.

He cautioned students against taking shortcuts to achieve their goals, stressing that sustained hard work was essential for lasting success.

“If a bridge is built in less time than required, it will collapse quickly,” he said, drawing a parallel between engineering principles and the importance of perseverance.

Congratulating the graduates, he asked them to acknowledge the contribution of their teachers, parents and friends to their achievements. “Teachers have not just taught engineering, they have created engineers,” he said.

Describing VTU as one of the country’s leading universities, Dr. Parameshwara said its reforms in examinations and administration had earned it recognition in engineering education, research and innovation. “Universities are not factories producing graduates; they are ecosystems that nurture ideas, innovation and research,” he said.

New courses planned

Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi said VTU would introduce courses in aviation and railway engineering to improve employment opportunities for graduates.

He said a special expert committee would be constituted to design job-oriented programmes and help the university secure a place among the top 10 universities in the country.

Congratulating the graduates, VTU Vice-Chancellor S. Vidyashankar urged them to shoulder the responsibilities that came with professional freedom. “Use your knowledge. The decisions you make will brighten your careers. May success come to all of you,” he said.

Medals

Thirty-eight students received VTU gold medals, while 49 students received endowment gold medals with cash prizes and seven received endowment gold medals without cash prizes. In all, 45 students were honoured with 94 gold medals.

A total of 74,763 undergraduate students and 329 PhD scholars received their degrees at the convocation.