“Every time there is a massive disruption in technology that impacts all, there is huge opportunity. We are at a time when AI is going to make a tremendous impact. We probably have the most exciting challenges and opportunities coming in the next 20-30 years,” said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, addressing the graduating students at FLAME University, Pune, on May 6.
“You are entering the next phase of your life, and the timing couldn’t be better in the Indian and global contexts. The next decade, when you are in the prime of your careers, will be an exciting one. As you build your career it is important to keep your moral compass on to do things right. Eventually you will be successful,” he added..
Chandrasekharan concluded saying, “When you are in a tough spot and you can't move forward, it requires a change in mindset. Gratitude with the right attitude will take you altitudes.”
Prof Dishan Kamdar, Vice-Chancellor, FLAME University said, “Humility and knowledge create the most potent combination that can determine success. Success will definitely come to all those who work hard, but it will reward those who are willing to embrace failure before they succeed.” Urging the graduates to go and make a difference to the world, he said “Be authentic, not conformist. Dare to be disruptive and different.”
Celebrating student successes
The chief guest and Vice-Chancellor gave away the various awards and certificates celebrating academic and all-round excellence. A total of 243 students graduated from the undergraduate, post-graduate and scholars programmes.
Chandrasekaran gave away medals to toppers of the undergraduate, MBA, MBA in Communications programmes and the FLAME Scholars programme. The Dean’s roll of honour and Trail Blazers Awards were presented to 87 students at the pre-convocation ceremony held the previous evening.
Holistic approach
FLAME Entrepreneurship Lab (FEL) helped over 100 students and supported over 15 business projects and alumni start-ups, through various activities and initiatives over the last academic year. One such project, called Edibl, is a start-up idea that will enable rural employment generation while reducing plastic consumption in the HORECA (hotel, restaurant, cafe) sector by making edible cutlery from staple foods. Edibl is part of the Babson Collaborative Challenge, a tie-up between Babson College and FLAME University Entrepreneurship Department, that focuses on start-up ideas by students based on UN Sustainability Goals .
The FLAME Investment Lab students outlined their efforts in the field of investments during the preceding academic year. Certificates were given away by the FLAME President to deserving students of the FLAME Investment Lab. Three prize-winning projects, Mud and Mirror Project, the Real Madras Handkerchief, and Mayurbhanj Chhau, launched a book with an AV presentation, under the Discover India Programme, at the pre-convocation ceremony.
The convocation concluded with the ceremonial hat toss by the graduates signifying the end of an unforgettable journey.