Pics: Adithya Aithal

Media Release

Udupi, Oct 11: Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management (SMVITM), Bantakal, held its 12th Graduation Day ceremony on October 11, at the college premises.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Dr Vidyashankar S, vice chancellor of VTU Belagavi, inspired the graduates by emphasising the importance of responsibility and continuous learning in emerging fields such as AI, Quantum Computing, Biotech, and Semiconductors. He highlighted India’s position in advanced technologies and stressed the role of engineers in elevating the nation’s global standing and realising the vision of “Viksit Bharat.” He encouraged students to go beyond the classroom, upskill their knowledge, develop a strong mindset, stay focused, and recognise the significance of startups in driving growth.

Suyog Shetty, co-founder and CEO, Niveus Solutions (part of NTT DATA), Mangaluru was the guest of honour for the function. He too motivated graduates with his speech regarding his journey and learning. He shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting his collaboration with Google and the contribution of SMVITM’s alumni in this partnership.

Drawing on his 25 years of experience, he emphasised key lessons: opportunities must be actively sought rather than awaited, rapid technological changes require practical application beyond mere learning, failures should be embraced as learning experiences, maintaining focus is crucial, and self-belief with resilience drives success.

Dr Radhakrishna S Aithal, CEO, SSMVT, Udupi thanked the parents for their trust in the institute and their active role in their wards’ growth. He highlighted how priorities have evolved over time, stressing the importance of adapting to current demands. He encouraged students to aspire to be world-class engineers, applying their knowledge in invention and innovation, and to make the institute proud by celebrating their achievements as alumni.

Rathnakumar, secretary, SSVMET, Udupi, addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of values in shaping humble and responsible individuals who make both the institute and their parents proud. He encouraged graduates to learn from the successes and failures of entrepreneurs and strive for excellence in their careers.

Delivering the presidential address, Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji of Sode Vadiraja Math inspired the graduates with his words of wisdom. He spoke about the co-existence of positive and negative experiences in life, emphasising the importance of focusing on the positive and embracing challenges with acceptance. He urged the graduates to excel with a positive mindset, value the contributions of their parents and teachers, and make them proud through their accomplishments.

Professor Dr Thirumaleshwara Bhat, principal of the college welcomed the gathering and wished the graduating students for a bright career ahead. The vice president of SSVMET, P Srinivas Tantry was present on this occasion.

Pratham L Kamath and Nidhi Prabhu K were felicitated on this occasion for receiving the University Gold medal from VTU, Belagavi. Pratham L Kamath, Sameeksha Nayak, Vinay Kumar, Shreelaxmi Kamath, Chaitanya Anant Nilekani, and Bhargavi were also felicitated with gold medals for being the batch toppers from AI&DS, AI&ML, civil, computer science, electronics and communication and mechanical engineering branches respectively.

Dr Ashwin and Dr Nisha Reena Nazrath were felicitated for successfully completing their doctoral degrees through the college’s departmental research centres in the departments of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics, respectively. Along with them Prashant Shet of “S L Shet Jewelleries” was felicitated for sponsoring the gold medal for the B E programme toppers.

HODs of technical departments announced the names of the graduates and Dr Sudarshan Rao, dean quality assurance announced the names of branch toppers who received the gold medals from the Swamiji.

Dr Suraj Francis Noronha, MBA director, introduced the chief guest. Aditya Kudva S, coordinator - Industry Institute Interaction Cell, introduced the guest of honour. Dr Nagaraj Bhat, dean academics, administered the oath for the 12th outgoing batch of graduates.

Sowmya Bhat and Raghavendra G S, assistant professors from the college, compered the programme. Dr Ravindra H J, HoD of Physics, delivered the vote of thanks. Maneesh rendered the invocation for the event. The event was concluded by the afternoon followed by lunch.