Pics: Nithin Pereira
Media Release
Udupi, Nov 22: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, continued its 33rd convocation celebrations at Manipal on Saturday, November 22, reaffirming its dedication to preparing capable graduates, driving innovation, and championing excellence across diverse fields.
The event was graced by senior leadership of the University, including trustee Vasanti R Pai and pro chancellor Dr H S Ballal. On day two, 1,651 students received their degrees, including 48 PhD awardees, while three outstanding students were honoured with the prestigious Dr T M A Pai Gold Medal.
Delivering the convocation address as chief guest, Bikram Singh Bedi, vice president, Asia Pacific Strategic Initiatives, Google Cloud, stressed the importance of reinventing oneself in the age of AI.
He said graduates were entering an extraordinary moment in history, with artificial intelligence transforming every industry. The challenges of AI and emerging technologies, he noted, extend beyond technical, medical, or management expertise—they are ethical, social, and deeply human, requiring thoughtful and responsible action.
He urged graduates: “Don’t just build or use technology. Do it responsibly. Don’t just ask ‘can we build this or can we use this?’ but also ask ‘should we build this or should we use this?’ Use your skills not just for personal success, but for societal progress.”
Reflecting on his journey from Manipal to leading major technology initiatives across Asia, he said MAHE equips its graduates not just with knowledge but with the capacity to meet unprecedented challenges in an AI-driven world.
Drawing on three decades of experience across technology, start-ups, and leadership, he emphasised that a career is never a straight path—one must face challenges, adapt to change, and seize opportunities to reinvent oneself. In this era of constant technological transformation, he said the key to success lies in the ability to continually evolve.
This call to reinvent resonated with the transformative roadmap outlined by Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice chancellor, MAHE, whose vision is rooted in innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and uncompromising academic excellence.
Highlighting the research-intensive nature of the University, he reaffirmed MAHE’s commitment to inclusivity, community engagement, and nurturing technology incubators. He emphasised the University’s role in driving a greener and better tomorrow through research and innovation, while staying responsive to the rapidly changing challenges and opportunities of the AI revolution.
The ceremony also celebrated exceptional student achievements, recognising four recipients of the Dr T M A Pai Gold Medal 2025. Rashi Goel from MIT Manipal (B Tech Computer Science and Engineering), Neha Sreekumar from MCON Manipal (BSc Nursing), and Mandira from MIC Manipal (BA Media & Communication) were honoured for their outstanding performance in their respective disciplines.
The medal winners expressed their delight, recalling journeys marked by doubt, long hours of hard work, and a steadfast determination to keep striving. They said the medals stand for resilience, creativity under pressure, and the conviction that persistence through challenges leads to success. They also thanked their alma mater for providing mentorship and opportunities that transformed effort into excellence.
Day two of MAHE’s 33rd convocation highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of its graduates, underscoring the institution’s commitment to shaping versatile, responsible, and inventive leaders for a future defined by AI and technological change.
The ceremony concluded on a warm and uplifting note as students, families, faculty, and guests looked ahead to the next day’s events, eager for more moments of celebration.