CHENNAI: Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, held its 14th annual convocation on Sunday, with 4,518 undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students receiving their degrees.
Chief guest Dr. T. Ramasami, former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, said youth had an important role not only in shaping their own future but also that of their families, the country and humanity.
Recalling the growth of engineering education in Tamil Nadu, he said only around 740 engineering students graduated from colleges in the State several decades ago, compared to several lakh graduates today.
He said Tamil Nadu had emerged as a leader in research and development since 2000, measured by research papers published in peer-reviewed journals. He credited institutions such as VIT with making significant contributions to higher education, research and nation-building.
VIT Founder and Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan, who presided over the ceremony, said only about 13 per cent of India’s population had attained graduate-level education and stressed the need for greater expansion of higher education. He compared India’s graduate attainment rate with Canada, South Korea and Japan, which have considerably higher rates.
Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, South India, who was a special guest highlighted the close historical and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, particularly the deep connections between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
VIT Vice-Presidents Dr. Sankar Viswanathan and Dr. G.V. Selvam, Vice-Chancellor Dr. V.S. Kanchana Bhaaskaran, Pro-Vice Chancellors, senior officials and faculty members attended the convocation.
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