The students of Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad (IITH) were asked to hold on tight to the scientific bent of mind and chase their dreams.
Addressing them during the sixth convocation of IITH at Kandi on Saturday, Shobhana Kamineni, the president of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), gave the example of her father, who after returning from abroad, had plans of establishing world-class hospitals, but was discouraged by all. “But he persisted with his plans and decided to chase his dreams with honesty,” she added.
“All around the globe, there is a surge of creativity and innovation. The world is busy ideating on ways to make life better and easier,” she said, talking on innovation.
“Today, we dare to dream of space travel, driver-less cars or a complex surgery being performed by machines. The most exiting trend of our times is collaboration and convergence,” Ms. Kamineni said, adding that India could become the fourth largest economy in the world by giving a push to the industry.
“Working smart is good, but working hard is crucial. Never take anything for granted and question everything.”
Jun Murai, dean, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, said they have been working with IITH on seismology, weather, disaster management and digital technology.
Suggesting the students to focus on multidisciplinary studies, Prof. Murai said it was also important to keep up with technology and use it to an optimum level. Referring to Tsunami and its impact on Japan, he said there was a need to study the nuclear fuel and disposing of nuclear waste.
IITH director U.B. Desai said as many as 465 students graduated on Saturday.
The convocation was presided over by B.V.R. Mohan Reddy, chairman, Board of Governors.
