President Droupadi Murmu called on India’s brightest young minds to leverage their technical expertise for societal good, emphasizing innovation and sustainability during the 45th convocation ceremony of IIT (Indian School of Mines) in Dhanbad on Friday. Addressing the graduates, she urged them to contribute to a “just and green India” where development aligns with environmental preservation.

Marking the institute’s centenary, Murmu released a customized postal stamp and special cover commemorating IIT-ISM’s 100 years of excellence. Established in 1926 as the Indian School of Mines and Applied Geology, the institute, modeled after London’s Royal School of Mines, was inaugurated by Lord Irwin under the leadership of its first Principal, David Penman. “This convocation is a milestone in our century-long journey of nation-building through science and education,” an official noted.

A total of 1,880 students from the 2024-25 batch—1,055 undergraduates and 711 postgraduates—received degrees. Priyanshu Sharma, the top-ranking BTech graduate in computer science and engineering, was awarded the President’s Gold Medal, alongside 37 gold, 35 silver, and 21 sponsored medals.

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Murmu praised IIT-ISM’s initiatives, such as the Centre of Excellence for tribal development, for empowering tribal youth and marginalized women. Highlighting India’s trajectory toward becoming a technological superpower, she encouraged students to focus on startups and innovation to address social and national challenges.

This marks the second time a President has attended IIT-ISM’s convocation, following former President Pranab Mukherjee’s presence in 2014. On Thursday, Murmu attended the inaugural convocation of AIIMS Deoghar and spent the night at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi.

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