July 6, 2024
The 12th Convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) was conducted in a befitting function graced by the presence of Honourable Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar at Pearl Jubilee Auditorium of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, ISRO, Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram on 6th July 2024. 290 students belonging to the BTech, MTech and PhD courses of IIST received their degrees in a convocation, which was witnessed by around 600 of their proud parents/guardians.
Dr. Kuruvilla Joseph, Registrar IIST, as master of ceremony, initiated the proceedings by inviting the Chancellor IIST. The function commenced with the Chancellor of IIST Dr. BN Suresh announcing the 12th Convocation of IIST open. Welcome address and presentation of a report on IIST was done by Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, IIST and VSSC. In his address, Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair welcomed all the dignitaries and expressed the deep-felt gratitude of the IIST fraternity to the honourable Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar and his wife Dr. (Smt) Sudesh Dhankhar, who found time and chose it fit to join the convocation ceremony. He went on to report the significant achievements of the institution in the period since the last convocation. The institute has profound growth in all seven departments by way of fundamental research and contribution leading to impactful publications. The national ranking of the institute has improved. Students and faculty are in many collaborative programs with ISRO centres.
This was followed by an address by Dr. BN Suresh, Chancellor, IIST. He exhorted the students that graduation is just the beginning; the learning should never stop. Everyone should continue to evolve and excel Alumni should be in touch with the institute and contribute towards its betterment.
In his address, Dr. S Somanath dwelled on the need for the young generation to be more creative and enthusiastic, especially in the current scenario of the opening up of the space sector. More entrepreneurial attempts are to be undertaken with path-breaking innovative ideas. Startups and industries have to thrive with the enthusiasm of the new generation.
Awarding of degrees was done after the addresses. After the awarding of degrees and commemorative medals, the Honourable Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered the convocation address. In his address, he emphasised the relevance of continuous skill development through a lifelong learning process. The future belongs to the young. When we dream about a Vikasit Bharath, 2047 or earlier, the new generation like those who are graduating today will be the driving force, leading the developments.
The 12th Convocation ceremony of Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) was attended by other dignitaries including Dr V Narayanan, Director, LPSC, Sri Padmakumar ES, Director IISU, Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, RGCB, Thiruvananthapuram and Professor Jarugu Narasimha Moorthy, Director, ISER, Thiruvananthapuram. The convocation concluded at 1530 hrs. It was a proud function for the students, parents/guardians and faculty/staff of IIST who were privileged to be part of the convocation.