Governor Gehlot conferring 12 gold medals on H M Vishwanath. Also seen are Dr Parameshwara, Vice Chancellor Dr Vidyashankar and others. Louis Rodrigues
Belagavi
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Saturday urged engineering graduates to use their knowledge, intelligence and innovation for the benefit of humanity and the nation.
Addressing the 26th Annual Convocation of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) at Jnana Sangama campus, he said graduation marked not the end of education but the beginning of greater responsibilities.
He said graduates could play a key role in developing Artificial Intelligence companies, advancing renewable energy, transforming agriculture and addressing social problems. He acknowledged the contribution of teachers, parents and friends to their success.
Highlighting the growing importance of technology, Dr Parameshwara said AI, quantum computing, biotechnology and satellite technology were transforming industries. He urged engineers to continuously upgrade their skills, stressing that learning AI had become essential.
He also emphasised hard work and warned against shortcuts, saying they might deliver results but would not last. He cited the example of a bridge built without adequate attention to time and quality.
Describing VTU as a leading university, he said reforms in examinations and administration had strengthened its standing in engineering education, research and innovation.
Governor and Chancellor of Karnataka Universities Thawar Chand Gehlot advised graduates to become job creators rather than job seekers, stressing humility, patience and perseverance.
A total of 74,763 undergraduate students and 329 PhD scholars received degrees. Thirty-eight students received VTU Gold Medals, while 56 Endowment Gold Medals were presented to 49 students with cash prizes and seven without.
Dr Sabitha Ramamurthy, Dr M P Shyam and Prof T G Sitharam received honorary doctorates.
