IIIT-Una marks 7th convocation, celebrates progress & innovation

The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Una, held its 7th convocation today, conferring 135 BTech and one PhD degree. The ceremony was graced by Prof Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, who delivered the convocation address. Lok Sabha MP Anurag Singh Thakur attended as guest of honour.

Prof Sahasrabudhe congratulated the graduating students, medal winners, and their families, while appreciating IIIT-Una’s remarkable growth since its inception in 2014 under the Public-Private Partnership model. He highlighted the institute’s transformation into a vibrant, eco-friendly campus with 800 students and 35 faculty members.

He emphasised the importance of the National Education Policy 2020, noting its focus on innovation, multidisciplinary learning, value-based education, and sustainability. Reflecting on the rapidly changing technological landscape—spanning artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and quantum computing—he urged students to remain lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. He also pointed to India’s rising global stature in science, economy, defence, and space, citing ISRO’s Chandrayaan and Aditya missions as milestones.

Anurag Singh Thakur congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to contribute to nation-building. IIIT-Una Director Prof. Manish Gaur was also present at the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, on the occasion of National Space Day, Thakur addressed a gathering at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Pekhubela as chief guest. Recalling India’s historic achievement on August 23, 2023, when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the Moon’s southern pole, he said the mission placed India among the world’s leading space nations. He praised the tireless efforts of Indian scientists and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for supporting them.

Thakur noted that India’s space economy, currently valued at $8 billion, is projected to grow to $44 billion in the coming years, a remarkable rise from the 2013–14 space budget of just Rs 5,615 crore.