Bennett University, a premier institution of higher education, celebrated a momentous occasion today as it held its convocation ceremony, conferring degrees to over 1,225 students across various disciplines. This significant event was attended by esteemed guests, including Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India & South Asia, and Nitish Mittersain, Founder & CEO of Nazara Technologies. Both were honored with degrees Honoris Causa for their exemplary contributions to their respective fields, setting benchmarks of excellence and inspiring countless others.
The ceremony was marked by inspiring speeches and heartfelt messages. Bennett University Chancellor and Times Group Managing Director, Vineet Jain, addressed the graduates with a quote from the renowned poet Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can, until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” This timeless wisdom resonated deeply with the audience, as Jain encouraged graduates to embrace risks, stating, “The biggest rewards are often outside your comfort zone.” His words served as a reminder that growth often requires stepping beyond familiar boundaries.
In his address, Jain emphasized the values that Bennett University instills in its students. He remarked, “At Bennett University, you have been part of an institution that values learning, innovation, and inclusivity.” He highlighted the students’ contributions to research, social causes, and cultural events, noting that their experiences on campus have laid the foundation for meaningful lives. Jain also praised the university’s commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly changing world, mentioning the establishment of the School of Artificial Intelligence and the upcoming launch of the School of Design. These initiatives reflect Bennett University’s forward-thinking approach, preparing students to excel in cutting-edge domains and emerging technologies.
The atmosphere of celebration was palpable, with approximately 1,400 proud parents in attendance, all eager to witness their children’s achievements. A total of 1,225 degrees were conferred, including 16 PhD degrees, 138 Post Graduate Degrees, 1,063 Undergraduate Degrees, and 9 Post Graduate Diploma Degrees. The ceremony also recognized outstanding academic performance with the awarding of one Chancellor’s Gold Medal, four Chancellor’s Silver Medals, and seventeen Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medals. Among the distinguished recipients, Rakshak Raina from the Master of Technology (Computer Science and Engineering) program was awarded the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for his exceptional overall performance.
Puneet Chandok, in his acceptance speech for the honorary doctorate, shared three guiding principles that have profoundly influenced his life and career. Drawing inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s classic, The Sun Also Rises, he spoke about the importance of perseverance and resilience in navigating life’s challenges. He stated, “The first is belief. And I’ve always believed that belief comes before ability.” Chandok emphasized that energy and enthusiasm can significantly enhance one’s capabilities, urging graduates to choose wisely where they invest their energy. His empowering message resonated with the audience: “Stay at it. Keep grinding. Keep working on belief, ability, and a sense of enough. It’ll feel gradual, but one day, success will appear suddenly.”
Nitish Mittersain also delivered a profound address upon accepting his honorary doctorate. He distilled his 25 years of entrepreneurial experience into what he termed the ‘Three Principles of Life: Passion, Perseverance, and Positivity.’ Sharing his journey, he recounted how his passion for gaming and technology ignited at the age of 7, leading him to found Nazara Technologies at just 19. Mittersain emphasized that success is rarely instantaneous, stating, “The difference between those who make it and those who don’t is simply the ability to keep going.” He encouraged graduates to embrace these principles as they step into a world full of possibilities, underscoring that they are the pillars upon which a meaningful life can be built.
The Vice Chancellor of Bennett University, Prof. (Dr) Ajith Abraham, delivered an annual report highlighting the university’s remarkable growth. He noted that the student body has expanded from an initial 200 to over 12,000 students across seven interdisciplinary schools. With a focus on establishing Bennett University as a world-class center for research and innovation, the School of Artificial Intelligence was launched in April 2024, with Prof. Sankar Pal as the Chair of the Board of Studies. Additionally, the university welcomed 26 students from leading international universities for inbound immersion programs, further enhancing its global academic collaboration.
The convocation ceremony at Bennett University not only celebrated the academic achievements of its graduates but also served as a platform for inspiring messages from industry leaders. The event underscored the university’s commitment to fostering an environment of learning, innovation, and inclusivity, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and resilience.
