UNA (H.P.): Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Thursday called for technology-driven solutions to tackle snowfall, landslides and other natural disasters, stressing the need for early-warning systems and timely interventions to minimise loss of life and property.
Addressing the 8th Convocation of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Una as chief guest at Lata Mangeshkar Kala Kendra, the Governor said Himachal Pradesh’s unique geography and climatic conditions offered young technologists a strong opportunity to create solutions with direct societal impact.
He urged graduating engineers to use their knowledge and emerging technologies in areas such as disaster management, agriculture, water conservation and rural entrepreneurship.
“The true purpose of technical education is fulfilled when knowledge and innovation are translated into solutions for the real problems of society,” Gupta said.
Referring to rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, semiconductors, robotics and quantum computing, the Governor said technological change brought both opportunities and responsibilities.
He called upon students to remain lifelong learners and develop affordable and accessible solutions, particularly for people living in rural and remote regions.
Congratulating the graduating students, their parents and faculty members, Gupta said a convocation marked not merely the completion of an academic journey but the beginning of a new phase of greater responsibility.
“Your degree is not your destination; it is the foundation of your journey,” he said.
The Governor also urged students to contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat-2047, saying the country’s future would be shaped by knowledge, skills, innovation and technology.
He said the vision of Viksit Bharat extended beyond economic growth and envisaged a technologically empowered, self-reliant, innovative and inclusive India capable of providing global leadership.
Gupta also stressed that technological excellence must be accompanied by character, integrity and responsible citizenship, urging graduates to remain committed to environmental protection, national unity and social responsibility.
Lok Sabha MP Anurag Singh Thakur said youth were not only India’s future but also its destiny. He urged students to face challenges with courage, pursue innovation and entrepreneurship, stay away from drugs, take up sports and lead healthy lives.
Invoking Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra’s “Yeh Dil Maange More”, Thakur called upon graduates to constantly strive to do better for the nation.
Rajya Sabha MP Prof Sikander Kumar urged the students to become job creators rather than merely job seekers and contribute to national development through knowledge, science and technology.
A total of 206 students were awarded degrees at the convocation, including 189 B.Tech. and 17 M.Tech. (CSE-Data Science) graduates. The ceremony also marked the graduation of the first batch of M.Tech. CSE (Data Science) students.
IIIT Una Director Prof Manish Gaur presented the institute’s academic progress report, highlighting achievements in academics, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and placements.
The B.Tech. graduating batch recorded a 95.86 per cent placement rate, with 162 of 169 participating students securing placements.
The highest annual package stood at ₹53.6 lakh, while the average package was ₹13.46 lakh. More than 70 recruiters participated in the placement process.
Branch-wise placement stood at 96.49 per cent in CSE, 98.31 per cent in ECE and 92.45 per cent in IT.
Academic medals were also awarded across B.Tech. CSE, ECE, IT and M.Tech. CSE (Data Science) programmes.
Former HPSIDC Vice Chairman Prof Ram Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal, Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty members, parents and students attended the ceremony.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by IIIT Una Registrar Ravi Saini.
