Infosys Foundation co-founder Sudha Murthy being conferred an honorary doctoral degree at the seventh annual convocation of IIT Dharwad on Saturday (July 18).
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Bhim Singh, Anusandhan National Research Foundation National Science Chair and honorary professor of Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Delhi, said that the true purpose of research is to solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives.
Delivering the convocation address at the seventh annual convocation of IIT Dharwad on Saturday (July 18), Prof. Singh emphasised on the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry.
Congratulating the graduating students on their achievements, he reminded them that graduation marks were not the end, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and innovation. Encouraging students to think beyond conventional solutions, he advised them to ask not only “What is wrong?” but also “How can we make it better?” He called on young graduates to remain sincere, embrace continuous learning and strive for excellence with humility and perseverance.
Highlighting the rapid advancements in AI, renewable energy, electric mobility and digital technologies, he told young engineers to become innovators and job creators rather than job seekers.
Presenting the Institute Report, IIT Dharwad director Venkappayya R. Desai highlighted the institute’s continued growth in academics, research, innovation and infrastructure. He said the institute is steadily progressing towards its vision of developing the Parashurama–Basaveshwara Akshaya Kshetra (PBaK) as a net-zero water, energy and waste campus by 2030.
Prof. Desai also highlighted the establishment of the dhaRti (Dharwad Research, Technology and Incubator) Foundation, the institute’s Section 8 company for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. The foundation currently supports 24 start-ups and has secured major grants.
Sharad Kumar Saraf, chairperson of Board of Governors, IIT Dharwad, sharing his own journey as an IIT alumnus and entrepreneur, urged the graduates to convert challenges into opportunities, embrace technology as an investment into the future, perform their duties with integrity and perseverance, and never give up on their goals.
Highlighting the transformative potential of AI, he encouraged students to use emerging technologies responsibly to drive innovation and national development.
Manoj Gupta, CEO of Tata Power Renewable Microgrid, Bengaluru, urged the students to leverage their knowledge and engineering skills to develop practical solutions for real-world challenges, particularly in rural India.
Prabhat Kumar, chairman, Pan IIT alumni, India, stressed that the story of the IITs was the story of India’s progress. He said that IIT graduates carried a legacy of nation-building and were expected to contribute beyond personal success.
Honorary doctorate
During the convocation, an honorary doctoral degree was conferred on Infosys Foundation co-founder Sudha Murthy.
Responding to the honour, she described teaching as the richest profession, stressing that the true wealth of a teacher lies in shaping lives and creating knowledge. She advised the young graduates to pursue excellence with dedication, humility and perseverance while making meaningful contributions to society.
A total of 313 students were conferred various degrees on the occasion.
Published – July 18, 2026 10:14 pm IST
