Lucknow: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) held its 24th Convocation Ceremony on Tuesday, celebrating academic excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship while conferring degrees on more than 62,000 students.
The ceremony was presided over by Uttar Pradesh Governor and AKTU Chancellor Anandiben Patel. The event was attended by Arvinder Singh Sahney as the Chief Guest and Uttar Pradesh Technical Education Minister Ashish Patel as the Guest of Honour.
84 Medals Awarded to 83 Meritorious Students
A total of 84 medals were awarded to 83 students, including 35 gold medals, 23 silver medals, and 24 bronze medals. Among the medal recipients, 52 were female students and 31 were male students, reflecting the growing presence of women in technical education.
The prestigious Chancellor’s Medal was awarded to Anshika Rana, a B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering student from Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, for securing the highest overall position.
The Kamal Rani Varun Memorial Gold Medal was conferred upon Ishika, a B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence) student from KIET Group of Institutions.
Degrees Awarded to More Than 62,500 Students
During the ceremony, AKTU awarded degrees to 62,537 students, while 53 scholars received PhD degrees. In a significant technological initiative, all degrees were uploaded digitally to DigiLocker using blockchain technology by Governor Anandiben Patel, ensuring secure and verifiable academic credentials.
The university also conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree on renowned Rogan art practitioner Kansara Ashish Shantilal in recognition of his contribution to traditional Indian art.
The event commenced with an academic procession, marking the formal beginning of the convocation proceedings.
Student Startup Awards Presented in Five Categories
Continuing its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, AKTU presented Student Startup Awards in five categories:
- Women-Led Startup Award: Irtika Rehman of Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology for startup Vexer Immersive Private Limited.
- Best Deep-Tech Student Startup Award: Avi Mittal of Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College for Vortex Autonomous Systems Private Limited.
- Best Tech Innovation Startup Award: Sonu Bhagat of Indraprastha Engineering College for Dermashuddhi LLP.
- Agriculture and Agritech Student Startup Award: Adarsh Singh of Buddha Institute of Technology for Agrolens Private Limited.
- Sustainable and Green Energy Startup Award: Aman Kumar of Government Engineering College for Nexonics Reflexa Private Limited.
Books Released, Children Honoured
During the ceremony, Governor Anandiben Patel released several books authored by university faculty members, including publications on yoga and related subjects.
She also honoured winners of painting, storytelling, and speech competitions organized in schools located in six villages adopted by the university. Children performed songs and dramatizations centered on environmental conservation and water preservation, while a group of 15 children from Bal Grih Balika, Sindhikheda presented a traditional folk dance performance.
The Governor symbolically distributed kits to five Anganwadi centres and inaugurated an RO plant, four air-conditioning units at Bal Grih Balika, Sindhikheda, and smart classrooms in two villages adopted by the university.
Following the convocation, a Mother-Daughter Conference was organized on the university campus, where the Governor spoke about women’s health awareness. An HPV vaccination drive for girls was also conducted.
Governor Calls Degrees a Responsibility, Not Just an Achievement
Addressing graduates, Governor Anandiben Patel described the convocation as a milestone in students’ lives and emphasized that a degree represents both achievement and responsibility.
She urged graduates to contribute to India’s development journey and become active participants in the vision of making the country a global leader. Highlighting the growing participation of women in education and technology, she said the success of female students reflects the changing face of India and serves as inspiration for millions of young girls.
The Governor also stressed the importance of linking technology with India’s cultural heritage and referred to ongoing efforts to digitize ancient manuscripts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She noted that India is increasingly becoming self-reliant and emerging as an exporter in several sectors, including defence and technology.
Indian Oil Chairman Urges Students to Become Problem Solvers
Chief Guest Arvinder Singh Sahney praised Uttar Pradesh’s technical education ecosystem and highlighted the achievements of its students nationally and globally.
Encouraging graduates to embrace challenges and opportunities, he said the world now needs problem solvers and job creators rather than job seekers. He urged students to “Think, Apply and Solve,” emphasizing independent thinking, character, competence, and confidence as essential qualities for success.
Sahney also highlighted Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s role in maintaining uninterrupted fuel supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic and other national emergencies.
Technical Education Minister Encourages Innovation
Technical Education Minister Ashish Patel congratulated medal winners and urged students to use their knowledge and skills for nation-building. He encouraged young graduates to actively pursue innovation and entrepreneurship and contribute to India’s technological and economic growth.
Earlier, AKTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. J. P. Pandey presented the university’s annual progress report. The vote of thanks was delivered by Principal Secretary, Technical Education, Dr. M. K. S. Sundaram.
The ceremony was also attended by Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajeev Kumar, Registrar Reena Singh, Finance Officer Keshav Singh, Controller of Examinations Prof. Deepak Nagariya, along with deans, directors, faculty members, staff, and students.
