“The World Needs Your Unique Voice”, says Vineet Jain

Bennett University, a premier institution of higher education, held its convocation ceremony today, conferring degrees to over 1,225 students across various disciplines. The ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Mr. Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India & South Asia, and Mr. Nitish Mittersain, Founder & CEO, Nazara Technologies, who were conferred Honoris Causa degrees for their exemplary contributions to their respective fields, setting benchmarks of excellence and inspiring countless others.

While addressing the graduates, Bennett University Chancellor & Times Group MD, Vineet Jain, quoted Maya Angelou’s timeless wisdom: “Do the best you can, until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Adding a personal touch, he advised, “Do not be afraid to take risks. The biggest rewards are often outside your comfort zone.”

He further said, “At Bennett University, you have been part of an institution that values learning, innovation, and inclusivity. You have contributed to research and social causes, participated in cultural events and debates, and created a vibrant campus for all to experience. You have been refined by years of learning. You have evolved, forged lifelong connections, and grown. Your life at the campus is – in many ways the foundation for a meaningful life.”

Lauding the efforts of Bennett University, he said, “The university has continuously updated its curriculum to align with the times, most notably through the establishment of the School of Artificial Intelligence. Further, in response to the growing integration of design and technology, the university is also launching the School of Design. These initiatives reflect Bennett University’s forward-thinking approach, preparing students to excel in cutting-edge domains and emerging technologies.”

The joyous occasion was further amplified by the presence of approximately 1,400 proud parents, who came together to celebrate the achievements of their children. A total of 1,225 (16 PhD degrees, 138 Post Graduate Degrees, 1063 Undergraduate Degrees and 9 Post Graduate Diploma Degrees) graduating students were conferred their Degrees, Merit Certificates in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Engineering Physics, Biotechnology, Management, Law, Media and Liberal Arts along with one Chancellor’s Gold Medal, four Chancellor’s Silver Medals and seventeen Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medals were awarded. During the convocation, Rakshak Raina from Master of Technology (Computer Science and Engineering) was awarded the Chancellor’s gold medal for overall performance and academic excellence.

Accepting his honorary doctorate, Mr. Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India & South Asia, shared three guiding principles that have profoundly influenced his life and career. Drawing from Ernest Hemingway’s classic The Sun Also Rises, he highlighted the metaphor of life’s gradual and sudden shifts, emphasizing perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.

He said, “The first is belief. And I’ve always believed that belief comes before ability. Ability from what I know, who I know, and how I’m known as. And then finally, a sense of enough.”

“Energy and enthusiasm are worth 25 IQ points. The energy you bring to everything is worth 25 IQ points. As Some leaders bring joy wherever they go. Some leaders bring joy whenever they go. You have to choose where you are and choose wisely”, he further added.

He concluded with an empowering message: “Stay at it. Keep grinding. Keep working on belief, ability, and a sense of enough. It’ll feel gradual, but one day, success will appear suddenly.” His heartfelt words left an indelible mark on graduates and their families, inspiring them to embrace ambition, resilience, and balance in their lives.

Mr. Nitish Mittersain, Founder & CEO of Nazara Technologies, delivered a profound address upon accepting his honorary doctorate. He condensed his 25 years of entrepreneurial learning into what he called the “Three Principles of Life: Passion, Perseverance, and Positivity.” He shared how his passion for gaming and technology began at the age of 7 when he started coding primitive games. This passion inspired him to found Nazara at just 19, envisioning India as a global gaming hub. He emphasized, “Success rarely comes overnight. The difference between those who make it and those who don’t is simply the ability to keep going.” Addressing the graduates, he urged them to embrace these three principles: “As you step into a world full of possibilities, remember passion, perseverance, and positivity. These are the pillars upon which you can build a meaningful life.”

Delivering his annual report on the university, Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Ajith Abraham said, “As the new academic year begins, Bennett University has expanded significantly from its initial student body of 200 to 12,000+ (12,011) students spread throughout 7 inter-disciplinary Schools. Focused on positioning Bennett University as a world class center for research and innovation, School of Artificial Intelligence was launched in April 2024 with Prof. Sankar Pal (National Science Chair, GOI) as the Chair of the Board of Studies.”

He further added, “26 students from leading international universities, including the University of Birmingham, University of Bradford, University of Notre Dame, and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, have chosen Bennett University for inbound immersion programs. Bennett University’s welcomed 100+ renowned academicians, professors and scientists from top universities worldwide this academic year, fostering collaboration and establishing BU as a preferred destination for academic exchange.”