Multiple senior leaders have emphasized the critical need for India to build a domestic innovation ecosystem. Senior economist Neelkanth Mishra emphasized that India cannot rely solely on global trends and must instead build a domestic innovation ecosystem. Speaking at the 15th convocation ceremony of IIT Gandhinagar, Mishra, who serves as chief economist at Axis Bank and chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India, outlined the country's path forward. According to an official release, he stated that India must invest in deep tech capabilities and develop globally competitive products across multiple strategic sectors rather than depending on foreign technology alone. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reinforced this message, stating that India needs to strengthen its domestic innovation ecosystem, invest heavily in deep technology, and create globally competitive products across key sectors. As per Business Standard, Mishra urged the graduates to take risks, pursue technological excellence and strive to build a self-reliant and globally competitive India.
Multiple leaders have addressed the economic opportunities in the country while highlighting the challenges of escaping the middle-income trap. Mishra spoke about the need for India to become a technology and product-driven nation while addressing the challenges of middle-income trap escape. The chief economist emphasized that the future of India will be shaped not just by policymakers and economists but also by the choices made by today's youth. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla noted that India is increasingly becoming a global centre for addressing humanity's present and future challenges, as reported by multiple sources. These statements reflect the consensus among leadership that India's economic future depends on building domestic capabilities and technological self-reliance.
The convocation ceremony featured 733 students graduating with 734 degrees awarded across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. According to the official release, the graduating batch included 225 women and 508 men from India, Mauritius and Nepal. The Institute also awarded 107 PhD degrees during the ceremony. Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of the Asian Institute of Technology, virtually attended as guest of honour, while Dr L N Dorairajan, Executive Director of AIIMS Rajkot, presided over the function. The ceremony took place on Saturday, with Mishra delivering his strategic vision for India's technological future.
On Friday, IIT Gandhinagar held its annual awards ceremony recognizing students for excellence across multiple categories. As reported by Business Standard, the ceremony honored students for their achievements in academics, research, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, sports, arts and culture, and community engagement. The dual ceremonies highlighted the institute's focus on comprehensive student development and recognition of academic excellence across various disciplines. The awards ceremony was held separately from the main convocation ceremony, allowing for proper recognition of student achievements in different areas.
