Kattankulathur:
“Always keep in mind the challenges our country is facing. Each of these challenges offers an opportunity for innovation,” said Dr. K Sivan, Chairman of ISRO, Bangalore and Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India. Addressing students virtually at the 16th Annual Convocation of SRM Institute of Science & Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, Dr. Sivan said, ” The job scenario is vibrant today and one must definitely work more than others, know more than others and expect less than others.”
About 17,204 students belonging to the Faculties of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Medicine & Health Sciences and Management studies including 129 Ph.D. scholars received their degrees. 244 students were awarded medals for having secured First, Second, and the Third rank in their programmes. The event was held virtually as per the protocol of the Government of Tamil Nadu due to the ongoing pandemic. Based on the restrictions imposed by the State Government only Rank Holders and Ph.D. degree awardees were given their degrees in person at Dr. T.P. Ganesan Auditorium, Main Campus, Kattankulathur. The rest of the eligible graduands attended the event through virtual mode.
In his convocation address, Dr. Sivan said, “SRMIST has the honour of designing, developing, and building its own nano-satellite, SRMSAT, in collaboration with ISRO which was launched with the twin scientific objectives of monitoring and estimating carbon dioxide and water vapor in the tropical atmosphere globally. Our Government has already announced space sector reforms for greater participation of non-governmental entities in space activities. Our next PSLV launch will have satellites from start-up agencies as the first product of these reforms. I now invite SRMIST to join hands with ISRO to work on similar projects in the future.”
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Digital India’ initiative is another key area to leverage; ISRO has already initiated reforms to make its digital assets available easily to the industry as well as start-ups for making innovative applications in navigation, earth observation as well as disaster management.
“India is progressing and it has overcome many challenges. It is the young people who have to put your heads together; to not only discover more challenges but also find solutions. The most important things are taking calculated risks and innovation on how to implement ideas,’ he said and added, “You may fail, but each failure will provide valuable lessons. You all must realize that if you are not failing then you are not trying hard.”
India aspires to be a nation with sustainable, equitable, and inclusive growth. Today we know the focus areas where we need to prioritize such as high-tech manufacturing and train and attract world-class talent.
Speaking on ISRO technological development he said, “ISRO has done the technology transfer of its space-grade lithium-ion batteries to industry. This technology is useful for mass adoption of electric vehicles without remaining perpetually depending on foreign sources. Even in rocket propulsion, ISRO is developing gree propulsion for its human spaceflight missions. In the future, all the propulsive stages may adopt green propulsion.”
In his address to students Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor of SRM Institute of Science & Technology and Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha said, “It is an honor for us to have Dr. Sivan Chairman ISRO. In his service, he was the chief mission architect for successfully launching 104 satellites in a single mission of PSLV. It is really an achievement. He has taken our country to a different height in the space research parallel to a few of the advanced countries.”
He advised students to be alert and careful in retaining their jobs as there are competitions and challenges. “You need to continuously update your skill, knowledge, and talent in your respective field. The success of our alumni is the success of your alma mater. If you become GMs, CEOs, Chairman of a company or industry, the university looks forward, for your repeated visit, to share your eminence and experience to your juniors here.” With the election around the corner, SRMIST’s Founder Chancellor urged people to vote right for the right candidate.
Endowment award in the name of Tmt Pachimmal Palanimuthu for the best outgoing MBBS student and Tmt Swarnam & Dr. Krishnamoorthy Endowment award for the best overall outgoing student of SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Center was awarded to Ms. Kritika Wadhwa for topping among all students in the final year and in the overall duration of the course in MBBS programme. Endowment in the name of Tmt Lakshmi and Dr. Renganathan for the best outgoing BDS student of SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital will be awarded to K. Shyam Sharma.
The Annual Report was presented by Vice Chancellor of SRMIST, Dr. Sandeep Sancheti. The Convocation was held in the presence of SRMIST’s Pro Chancellor (Administration) Shri Ravi Pachamoothoo, Pro Chancellor (Academic) Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Chairman of Ramapuram & Trichy campuses Dr. R. Shivakumar, Pro Vice Chancellor (E&T) Dr. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Pro Vice Chancellor (S&H) Dr. R Balasubramanian, Pro VC (Medical) Lt. Col. Dr. A. Ravi Kumar, Registrar Dr. N Sethuraman and COE Dr. S.Ponnusamy among others.
Cheif Guest speech
1. Dr. T.R Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Sandeep Sancheti, Vice Chancellor, SRM, HoDs, Faculty members and Staff, dear students and their proud parents, ladies and gentleman, a very good morning to you all. I feel extremely privileged to attend the 16th convocation of SRM Institute of Science and Technology. I would have loved to visit the institute as part of the convocation but present
circumstances has put lot of constraints. Hence, I am attending through virtual mode.
2. Before, I start; let me first recall my student days at MIT,Chennai. Like you all, I have also spent my best years in Chennai. Hence, when I see your sparkling eyes eagerly waiting to be bestowed as Graduates of this great institution, I can see a little bit of me in all of you. And behind these sparkling eyes, I see the energy of hundreds of youth. This energy is capable of creating thousands of paths with millions of opportunities for national
development. National development will not only require effort but also knowledge and wisdom which this institute has given you.
3. Coming back to today’s function, let me congratulate all of you graduating today and wish you all a very successful career ahead. May all your dreams be fully realised.
4. I also would like to congratulate the teachers who in their own way have contributed to shaping young minds. This must be a day of pride for all the parents assembled here to see their children graduate.
5. When I graduated, more than 3 decades back, the job scenario was not as vibrant as today. Areas of specialization limited the career options. Today, the options are many. However, there is an added volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity about the global economy. You are all much smarter and aware about these scenarios than the older generations. Nevertheless, remember, you are unlikely to get your dream job or create a successful business simply by wishing for it. You will have to definitely work more than others, know more than others and expect less than others.
6. Moreover, as far as college and carrier go, I was always denied my first choice. After high school, I wanted to study engineering but ended up studying BSc. Mathematics. Later, I got into Engineering and wanted to Join ISAC at Bangalore but ended up joining VSSC. In VSSC also, I wanted to join the Aerodynamics group but ended up joining PSLV project. At every stage of my life, I never got what I wanted as first choice. Nevertheless, I learned a valuable lesson. Life and career are not about making best choices in life but are about making the best of the
opportunity available to you. I also understood that when something is denied to you, something bigger is waiting for you. As Dalai Lama has said “Sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”
7. Tomorrow, when you roll-up your sleeves to take on the challenges of the Nation and the World, you have to keep in mind the challenges our country is facing. You all are aware of that. Each of these challenges offer an opportunity for innovation.
8. India aspires to be nation with sustainable, equitable and inclusive growth. Today we know the focus areas where we need to prioritize.
9. The first is high tech manufacturing. Here, more efforts should be made towards private and public sector partnerships and joint ventures to benefit from investments and technology transfer and increase skills among workers to make them more employable. Towards this Government has already announced space sector reforms for greater participation of nongovernmental entities in space activities. Our next PSLV launch will have satellites from start-up agencies as first product of these reforms.
10. The second priority is to train and attract world-class talent. India’s growing economy, focus on technology-intensive sectors and the changing nature of employment will drive demand for high-quality talent. To be able to meet its domestic demands, technology-driven education and training will be important to equip the large population of youth with employable skills. Your institution has provided you with all the necessary skills to
become an excellent resource person.
11. The ‘Digital India’ initiative is another key area to leverage; ISRO has already initiated reforms to make its digital assets available easily to industry as well as start-ups for making innovative applications in navigation, earth observation as well as disaster management.
12. India’s rapid population growth and economic development will put ever-greater demand on existing infrastructure. While the government has embarked on various nationwide programmes, including smart cities, airport etc., the challenge lies in ensuring timely completion. Here also, fast construction technologies can
be of help. Very recently, our human spaceflight centre building could be commissioned by us in 45 days. Such efforts are required in other infrastructure projects also.
13. As India continues to focus on economic growth, it needs to ensure that environmental damage is limited by adopting green technologies. ISRO has done the technology transfer of its space grade lithium-ion batteries to industry. This technology is useful for mass adoption of electrical vehicles without remaining perpetually dependent on foreign sources. Even in rocket propulsion, ISRO is developing green propulsion for its human spaceflight mission. In future, all the propulsive stages may adopts green propulsion.
14. In summary, India is progressing and it has to overcome many challenges. I have emphasised on few of the challenges. However, it is you young people who have to put your heads together; to not only discover more challenges but also find solutions.
15. The most important thing is to take calculated risks. When you take calculated risks, you safeguard yourself from absolute failure. You may fail, but each failure will provide valuable lesson. I can say with great confidence that India’s space program has been built on spectacular failures. Each failure has resulted in improvements in our system.
16. The second important thing is innovation. Innovation is not just having a bright idea on paper. Innovation is how you implement that idea. Innovation comes with a high risk of failure. You may be called crazy, and the initial outcomes of innovation could be imperfect. I need not tell you, how many times Edison failed to invent light bulb. You all must realize that if you are not failing then you are not trying hard.
17. Dr. Kalam said, your dream or your idea must not let you sleep. Innovation today has become a strategy to remain relevant and competitive. Innovation has emerged as the biggest survival strategy.
18. In the end, I will again say, shoot for the sky. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. Spread joy. Chase your wildest dreams. And now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes and make the world a more interesting place. Thank You All. Wish you all a very happy new year.
Chancellor Speech
The Chief guest of the 16th convocation of this University Dr Sivan, Secretary Department of Space and Chairman-ISRO, Pro Chancellor’s, Vice Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellors, Dean, Directors and faculties of this university and my dear 17,000 young graduands of SRMIST and their parents.
I congratulate all of you for your success in the examination and you will receiving, your degrees in short vail now.
I am proud of this batch for the reason; your batch only was able to get placements to the extent of 8600+ offers which is one of the record placements in the country in one single private university.
And this is the convocation being held virtually because of this Covid-19 pandemic, I advise every one of you to take care of your health and your family following the Government directions.
At this juncture, I am proud for your achievement and laurels taking the university name and reputation to the greater level. I also thank your parents who supported you financially and advised for your hard work.
Today we have with us our chief guest Dr Sivan Chairman ISRO. In his service he was the chief mission architect for successfully launce of 104 satellites in a single mission of PSLV. It is really an achievement.
I congratulate and convey my best wishes for his excellent planning and he has taken our country in a very big way in the space research parallel to few of the advanced countries.
So you the graduands are lucky to receive your degrees with the blessings of such an eminent person.
For the information of the chief guest, this university launched a nano satellite in October-2011 with advice, support and guidance of ISRO. 50 students of this university from different discipline jointly designed, constructed and launched the satellite.
This satellite was to study the water vapor and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Even after nine years this satellite is still working in the space completing 40,000 and above orbits.
It shows our students talent, skill and capability. I once again thank the ISRO authorities for the encouragement.
My young graduands, I believe that most of you are placed and settled, in different companies or organizations. If due to some reasons few left without job I think you are all preparing for starting small companies by which you will become an entrepreneur at the earliest?
I advise to those who are already employed, be alert and careful to retain your job as there are competitions and challenges. Therefore you have to continue to update your skill, knowledge and talent in your respective field. Those who gone abroad for further studies, I wish them all the best.
Your university gives priority for the alumni for further education or job or to work in the incubation centre. We the management, travel along with you in your career wherever area possible.
Success of our alumni is the success of your alma mater.
If few of you become GMs, CEOs, Chairman’s of a company or industry, we are the first people to proud of you to recognize and honor you.
The university looks forward, for your repeated visit, to share your eminence and experience to your juniors in the university.
As a founder chancellor, I had the privilege of meeting our alumni in my foreign visits like Australia, UK, US, etc. In turn, those alumni showed their at most interest in receiving and complementing me.
Including in my recent visit to Thiruvannamalai Temple were, I was able to meet a old student of this group institution as a senior priest.
Interestingly one of our alumni in SRM Dental college have been elected as MLA and now he is holding a portfolio as a minister in Government of Andhra Pradesh.
As election is fast approaching and also as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam desired, the educated youth should discharge their duty by casting their votes during the election without fail to form a right Government through a right party whom you like.
So with this, I conclude by saying, work hard with confidence and success in all your endeavors.
Wish you all the best and happy new year.
Thank you.
