Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) on Saturday hosted Commencement 2025 at the Convocation Hall, honouring approximately 2,550 students expected to graduate this academic year.
Sumant Sinha, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of ReNew, was the chief guest of the event that was attended by students, their families, faculty, and members of the Board of Governors.
Introduced in 2023, the Commencement ceremony is a unique annual event designed to unite the graduating batch in celebration before they leave campus. Distinct from the formal Convocation, it features an Academic Procession, speeches by the Chief Guest and Director, a pledge ceremony, and a uniform dress code, but does not involve the conferral of degrees or awards.
In his address, Sinha inspired the graduates by reflecting on his own time at IIT Delhi, describing it as a formative period of learning and camaraderie. He urged the students to leverage their skills to innovate and address global challenges, particularly in the context of climate change.
“Success is not just personal achievement but also making a positive impact,” he said, adding, “Your life is a journey defined not by maps handed to you, but by the inner compass you build through self-awareness, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Professor Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT-B, presented the Institute’s Report for 2024-25, underscoring IIT Bombay’s position as India’s top-ranked university and a global leader. He highlighted new academic programmes, including M.Eng. degrees in fields like Analog/Mixed-Signal/RF IC Design and ePostgraduate Diplomas in AI, E-Mobility, and Climate Sustainability.
Prof. Kedare also noted the expansion of research initiatives in areas such as nanoelectronics, renewable energy, and carbon capture, alongside infrastructure developments like new hostels, faculty residences, and a Research Park fostering billion-dollar startups.
“The world needs your ideas, your passion, and your drive to make an impact,” he told the expected graduates, encouraging them to build on the foundation provided by IIT-B.
Dr Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, spoke of the enduring sense of community at IIT-B, noting the lifelong bonds forged over the Institute’s 60-year history. He encouraged the graduates to contribute to their alma mater in the future, describing such efforts as a “guru dakshina” – a traditional offering to honour one’s teachers.
The afternoon session featured a photo opportunity with Prof. Kedare for the graduating class, which included around 1,064 undergraduates, 1,327 postgraduates, and 138 PhD scholars.
