Indian Institute of Technology Mandi recently marked a significant milestone with its 12th Convocation, celebrating the achievements of the Institute and its graduates. The ceremony saw 636 students receive their degrees across a range of disciplines, with 463 male and 173 female graduates.
One standout feature of this year’s conference at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi is the notable increase in the percentage of female graduates, climbing from 23.36% in 2023 to an impressive 27.20% in 2024. This rise underscores IIT Mandi's strong dedication to promoting gender diversity and inclusivity.
In recognition of their outstanding academic achievements, Mr. Shashwat Gupta, a Mechanical Engineering graduate with a B.Tech. degree was awarded the prestigious President of India Gold Medal for achieving the highest CGPA among undergraduate students. Similarly, Ms. Jain Hiya Sudhir, who graduated with a B.Tech. in Bioengineering, received the Director's Gold Medal for exceptional all-round performance among undergraduates. Additionally, Mr Devanshu Sajwan, who completed his M.Sc. in Chemistry, was honoured with the Institute’s Gold Medal for his outstanding overall performance."
The event was honoured by the presence of Mr Manoj Jain, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), who attended as the Chief Guest. Joining him as Guests of Honour were Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar; Dr. Narendra Kumar Arya, Director of ER & IPR at DRDO; and Mr. Krishna Ika, CEO & Chairman of Brainwave Science. Prof. Laxmidhar Behera delivered the Director’s report, highlighting the Institute’s significant achievements.
Sharing the message with passing-out students, Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (Retd.) stated, “The vision of IIT Mandi is to be a leader in science and technology education, knowledge creation, and innovation. IIT Mandi is committed to ensuring that each of you emerges as a future leader in society and for our country—whether in science and technology or in the realms of entrepreneurship and sustainability.”
Further, Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (Retd.) added, “IIT Mandi is home to several schools and centres, and this year we proudly inaugurated the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (C3DAR), aligning with national priorities on disaster risk management. This centre aims to foster cutting-edge research and develop innovative solutions in climate change adaptation, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.”
During the convocation report presentation, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, of IIT Mandi, congratulated the graduating class, stating, “This milestone signifies the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a journey filled with opportunities to make a meaningful impact.”
He highlighted the Institute’s recent developments, including new centers and academic programs, as well as the achievements of its alumni. Notably, he recognized Mr. Nitesh Kumar, a B.Tech. 2020 Electrical Engineering alumnus, for winning the Gold Medal in Men’s Singles Badminton (under SL3 Category) at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. “IIT Mandi values its alumni and celebrates their contributions,” he said.
During his address, Prof. Behera also announced the establishment of the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (C3DAR), focusing on innovative solutions for climate adaptation and disaster resilience in the Himalayan region. He emphasized, “By leveraging technologies like remote sensing, AI, and IoT, we aim to enhance real-time monitoring and early warning systems. With ongoing infrastructure development and a commitment to academic excellence, IIT Mandi is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders in sustainable development.”
Delivering the Convocation address, Chief Guest Mr. Manoj Jain remarked, “I congratulate the students graduating today from IIT Mandi. In a short span of time, IIT Mandi has carved a niche for itself in the ever-evolving landscape of professional education in India. I am confident that the graduating students will carry forward the legacy of Brand IIT, contributing significantly to both the aspirations of a Viksit Bharat and the global economy. The success of these students in their professional endeavours will continue to highlight the pivotal role IIT Mandi plays in building the human, social, and intellectual capital of our nation."
During his address, Guest of Honor Prof. Rajeev Ahuja emphasized that today marks the end of a rigorous academic journey and the beginning of exciting new paths for the graduating class. He noted that their dedication and intellect will drive their future success. As they step into the professional world, he encouraged them to uphold the core values of innovation, integrity, and inclusivity instilled at IIT Mandi, which will guide them in making a positive impact on society.
During the event, Guest of Honour Mr. Krishna Ika encouraged graduating students to utilise their skills to tackle pressing challenges in rural India through innovative startups. He emphasised that such initiatives could improve quality of life and stimulate economic growth. By creating opportunities in villages and towns, graduates have the potential to transform these areas into vibrant extensions of urban centres, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for the nation.
Guest of Honor Dr. Narendra Kumar Arya highlighted that IIT Mandi emphasizes all-round development of students, encouraging them to excel not only in academics but also in sports, culture, and personal growth. With its unique blend of technology, management, Indian knowledge systems, and the surrounding hills, IIT Mandi is poised to become a global leader in technology leadership, innovative design, and value-based engineering.