Pics: Sumanth Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Sep 22: Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management (SMVITM) celebrated the graduation of its 11th batch of engineering graduates on September 22.
His holiness Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji, president of the Shri Sode Vadiraja Math Education Trust, blessed the occasion and remarked, “The world students saw until now is different from the world they are about to enter. Parents’ interest is focused on their children, but there is a need to focus on our own interests to succeed. Nothing can be achieved if we think we can do everything alone. We should love what we do; without self-trust, we will fail to succeed.”
Lakshmipathy Bhat, SVP of Global marketing and communications at Robosoft Technologies, spoke about the transition to the corporate world. “Students will enter a new phase of life in the corporate sector. We were not told how to navigate this; we were just thrown into the field. I urge students to be devoted and committed. The corporate world is known for 9-to-5 jobs, but that will change. Today, we are slaves to social media. AI will be like electricity, not tied to one company throughout the day.”
Dr L N Seshagiri, Professor of English at Government First Grade College, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, shared his insights: “Humans work for money, status, or self-satisfaction. My relationship with this institution has brought me self-satisfaction. We experience many graduations in life, from our first breath to our first steps. This graduation is a way to engage with the world. Remember, no life is wasted, as God has a purpose for us. Students must have patience and never forget their parents.”
Secretary Rathnakumar added, “Real challenges begin today. You must guide others. SMVITM teaches values that students must uphold. Take Ratan Tata as a role model.”
The ceremony included the felicitation of gold medallists, including branch toppers and university topper Raksha, presented by Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji. Certificates were awarded by Lakshmipathy Bhat and Dr L N Seshagiri, while Dr Ganesh Aithal administered the graduation oath.
Sheikh Mohammad Shuhood was honoured as the first student from the college to receive a B E Degree with Honours from VTU, Belagavi. He, along with G Akshatha, Nikitha Shetty, and Ananth Suvarna, received gold medals for being the batch toppers in Civil, Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, and Mechanical Engineering, respectively.
Branch toppers Hrishikesh (Civil), Gajendra (CSE), Anusha (ECE), and Ankith Suvarna (Mechanical) were also recognised for their achievements in the final semester.
Dr Sandhya, Dr Divya Kumari, Dr Ramakanth Puranik, Dr Vrunda Bhat, and Dr Usha H were honoured for completing their doctoral degrees. Additionally, Vignesh Shet of “SL Shet Jewelries” was acknowledged for sponsoring the gold medal for the B E programme toppers, and Nanda Kumar Innanje was honoured for awarding cash prizes to the final semester toppers in each engineering branch.
The HODs of various departments announced the names of the graduates, while Dr Nagaraj Bhat, dean of academics, announced the branch toppers who received gold medals from the Swamiji. Dr Lolita Priya Castelino, HOD of Mathematics, introduced the chief guest, and Dr Subbulakshmi N Karanth, HOD of chemistry, introduced the guest of honour.
The programme commenced with a prayer by Chithkala of 3rd CSE. Principal professor Dr Thirumaleshwara Bhat welcomed the gathering, and Dr Ravindra H J, HOD of Physics, delivered the vote of thanks. The ceremony was masterfully conducted by assistant professors Akshatha Rao L (ECE) and Mallya Ananth Mohan (Mechanical).
The event was attended by vice-president Shrinivas Tantry, Dr Padmini Bhat, vice-principal, HODs of various departments, faculty members, parents, and students.