Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space, delivered a powerful message of integrity and ambition at the 21st Convocation Ceremony of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) in Kattankulathur, Chennai, on August 10, 2025. “No matter the heights you achieve, let honesty be the cornerstone of your success,” he urged the graduates, emphasizing the values that have propelled India’s space program to global prominence.
Dr. Narayanan, honored with an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) alongside Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, reflected on India’s remarkable journey in aerospace. “From humble beginnings with a small rocket donated by the USA, India has made a giant leap in aerospace and defense technology, becoming a global leader,” he said, crediting the “unwavering vision” of ISRO’s scientists and engineers. He highlighted ISRO’s ambitious goal to land astronauts on the Moon by 2040, underscoring the role of innovation in national security and progress.
The ceremony, presided over by SRMIST Founder Chancellor Dr. T.R. Paarivendhar, saw 9,769 degrees awarded—8,994 undergraduate, 564 postgraduate, and 211 doctoral degrees, with 56.4% of Ph.D. scholars and 44.5% of rank holders being women, showcasing SRMIST’s commitment to gender equity. Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, the chief guest, inspired graduates with a call to embrace sincerity, hard work, and lifelong learning to lead India toward becoming a global economic powerhouse by 2047.
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Vice Chancellor Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan presented the annual report, urging graduates to be “torchbearers of inclusion and catalysts of global change.” Dr. Ravichandran echoed this, advising students to cultivate discipline and resilience to align with India’s 2047 vision. The event, attended by dignitaries and thousands of students, celebrated academic excellence and India’s scientific aspirations.
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