Dhirubhai Ambani University (DAU) has successfully conducted its 20th Convocation Ceremony. The event took place this past Saturday at the university’s campus in Gandhinagar. It was a significant day for the institution, which was formerly known as DA-IICT. The ceremony marked the transition of hundreds of students from their academic studies into the professional world.
During the event, the university awarded degrees to a total of 649 students. The graduating class included students from a wide variety of academic levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
Distinguished Guests and University Leadership
The convocation was attended by several prominent figures from the fields of academia and diplomacy. The Chief Guest for the ceremony was Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi. He is currently a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Electrical Engineering and previously served as the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. During the event, Prof. Ramamurthi delivered the Convocation Address, offering his wisdom and insights to the graduating students.
Ambassador T. S. Tirumurti also played a key role in the ceremony. As a Member of the Board of Governors for the university, he presided over the event. His presence highlighted the importance of this milestone for the institution.
The university’s senior leadership team was present in full force to support the students. The dignitaries in attendance included:
- Prof. (Dr.) Tathagata Bandyopadhyay: The Director General of the university.
- Dr. G. Venkatesh: The Director of the School of Technology.
- Prof. (Dr.) Avinash Dadhich: The Director of the School of Law.
- Shri Siddharth Swaminarayan: The Executive Registrar.
In addition to the leadership team, many other eminent dignitaries, faculty members, and staff joined the gathering to celebrate the students’ hard work and success.
Undergraduate Degrees Awarded
The largest group of graduates came from the undergraduate programs. A total of 348 students completed their studies and received their degrees. The university offers several specialized tracks for its Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) students.
The degrees awarded in this category included B.Tech in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and B.Tech in Mathematics & Computing. Additionally, some students earned a B.Tech (Honours) in ICT with a minor in Computational Science. Another key program represented was the B.Tech in Electronics and VLSI Design (EVD).
Postgraduate and Doctoral Achievements
The postgraduate cohort was also very large this year. A total of 295 students received their degrees in various advanced fields. These degrees covered both technical and design disciplines.
The Master’s degrees awarded included M.Tech in ICT and M.Tech in Electronics and Communication (EC). In the science stream, degrees were given for M.Sc in Information Technology, M.Sc in Data Science, and M.Sc in Agriculture Analytics. The university also awarded degrees for M.Des in Communication Design.
Beyond the master’s level, the university recognized the highest level of academic research. Six scholars were awarded Ph.D. degrees for their contributions to advanced research and their respective fields.
Pre-Convocation Celebrations
The graduation festivities actually began before Saturday. On January 16, the university held a Pre-Convocation Award Ceremony. This earlier event was designed to recognize specific achievements that go beyond just passing exams.
During this ceremony, the university presented two major awards: the Faculty Appreciation Award 2025 and the Student Research Excellence Award 2025. These honors were given to recognize high standards in teaching and outstanding student research. Furthermore, the university took the time to felicitate students who had performed exceptionally well in co-curricular activities.
Words of Wisdom from the President
Tina Anil Ambani, the President of Dhirubhai Ambani University, shared a special message with the graduating class. Although she was not there in person, her words were shared with the students. Her message focused on finding the right balance between professional goals and personal health.
She encouraged the students to keep pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. However, she advised them to make “human-centred design” their main differentiator. She reminded them that the ultimate goal of technology should be to serve people.
She also gave important advice regarding personal well-being. She told the students that they should never ignore their greatest asset: their health. She noted that both physical and mental health are the foundation for everything else. They provide the strength needed to handle stress and struggle. She concluded by urging the students to be proactive in nurturing their bodies and nourishing their minds.
Marking 25 Years with a New Award
This convocation was historically significant because it marked the university’s 25-year journey. To celebrate this quarter-century milestone, the university introduced a new honor called the Distinguished Alumni Award.
This award was created to recognize former students who have achieved professional excellence and made real contributions to society. The very first recipient of this award is Mr. Pavitar Singh. He is a graduate from the 2005 B.Tech (ICT) batch. He was selected for his impressive career achievements and his long-standing relationship with the university. While the announcement was made at the convocation, Mr. Singh will receive the award formally at a separate ceremony.
Conclusion
The 20th Convocation was a proud moment for Dhirubhai Ambani University. It showcased how the institution has evolved over the years. Starting as a specialized technical institute, it has grown into a multidisciplinary university. Today, it shapes talent across many different sectors, including engineering, data science, agriculture analytics, design, and law. The event reaffirmed the university’s vital role in the region’s educational landscape.
