Visakhapatnam, Aug 26: GITAM University conferred degrees on 3,052 students at its 17th Convocation in Visakhapatnam, with Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Government of India, addressing the graduating class as Chief Guest. The University also awarded 32 Gold Medals for academic excellence, while Dr. Ramaswami Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog, was conferred an honorary doctorate.
The graduating class comprised 2,146 undergraduate students, 750 postgraduate students and 156 doctoral scholars across engineering, management, sciences, humanities, architecture and pharmacy. Students graduated from the School of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Business, School of Law, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Science, School of Core Engineering, Institute of Nursing, School of Allied and Healthcare Professions, School of Physiotherapy, School of Architecture and School of Pharmacy.
The University awarded 32 Gold Medals for outstanding academic performance across disciplines. The Prof. Gangadhara Rao Best Thesis Award 2026 was conferred on Dr. Pooja Jana, Assistant Professor, GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Visakhapatnam.
The ceremony was attended by GITAM President Shri M. Sribharat, Chancellor Prof. V. S. Chauhan, Vice Chancellor Prof. Errol D’Souza, Vice-President Prof. M. Gangadhar Rao and Secretary Shri Mathukumilli Bharadwaj, along with Pro Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Directors, Principals, faculty members and other senior university officials.
Addressing the graduating class, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Government of India, said,
“Being punctual, self-disciplined and reliable – doing what you say you will do – are principles that will serve you a long way. Define your success. Success is creating something that is valuable for others, being respected in society for what you do, and leaving a legacy, whether as a good professor, by building a company or by being a good employee. A title may give you authority, but it will not give you respect. Money can give you comfort, but it will not give you purpose. If you dream vaguely, you rarely achieve. Focus and develop deep knowledge in one area. Depth is like a spotlight; breadth is like a nightlight.”
“Your character travels before you. Every step you take is observed, when you think that no one is watching. Being honest even during the most difficult times, working like a team, giving credit to others and owning responsibility for your own mistakes are extremely important. Your degree might open doors for you, but your character decides which room you are allowed to enter. Always have gratitude. Remember the people behind your success, whether it is a parent, a teacher or a supportive friend. Your name may be printed on this degree certificate, but many hands helped you write your success story,” he added.
Shri M. Sribharat, Member of Parliament (Vizag) and President, GITAM Deemed to be University, said,
“We are grateful to our Chief Guest, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, and Dr. R. Balasubramaniam for accepting our invitation and joining us on this important occasion. Both are examples of people who have remained true to their purpose, worked hard and stayed on their path for more than three decades. Their journeys also show that impactful work is not always glamorous, but when people remain committed to what they believe in, their work can eventually contribute at a much larger level. For our graduating students, the message is to remain true to your purpose in spite of difficulties, work hard towards long-term goals and make your own future. As you go forward, look at the challenges around you, pursue your ambitions and think about how your own work can help make India a stronger nation and one that can lead the way for others.”
Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan, Chancellor, GITAM Deemed to be University, said,
“Education must prepare you for much more than a job. It should teach you to think critically, to listen to an idea different from your own, to engage in debate with an open mind, and above all, to have empathy for others. As you step into a world that is both fascinating and increasingly complex, carry these qualities with you. Work hard, act with honesty and remain fearless in pursuing your ambitions, because the future of this country will increasingly rest on your shoulders.”
Dr. Ramaswami Balasubramaniam, Member, National Institution for Transforming India, Government of India, was conferred an Honorary Doctorate at the ceremony. A physician, public policy practitioner and development leader, Dr. Balasubramaniam has worked extensively at the grassroots and in public policy, including through the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, which he founded while pursuing his medical education.
The Visakhapatnam Convocation marked the culmination of GITAM’s 2026 Graduation Ceremonies across its three campuses in Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Across the three campuses, the University recognised 6,292 graduating students from undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes, with 62 students receiving Gold Medals for academic excellence. At the Hyderabad campus, Padma Shri awardee and filmmaker Shri S. S. Rajamouli was the Chief Guest, while Padma Shri Gajam Govardhana, master weaver known for his contribution to India’s handloom and textile traditions, was conferred an honorary doctorate. At the Bengaluru campus, Dr. Ashok Dalwai, IAS Retd., was the Chief Guest, while Padma Shri Geeta Dharmarajan, writer, editor, educationist and Founder of Katha, was conferred an honorary doctorate.