HITS Hosts 16th Convocation Ceremony with Global Dignitaries and Milestone Announcements
Chennai: The Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) celebrated its 16th Convocation at the Bay Range Campus, marking a momentous occasion for over 2,500 graduating students. The event was graced by H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam, Ambassador of Eritrea and Dean of Diplomatic Corps (India), as the chief guest. Distinguished guests of honour included Rajesh Nambiar, President of NASSCOM; Dr. Abraham Varughese, Director of Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), DRDO; and Dr. C. Emmanuel, Director of Academics and Research, Gleneagles Health City, Chennai. The ceremony was presided over by Chancellor Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, alongside senior officials of HITS.
Degrees were conferred across a wide spectrum of disciplines including Engineering, Architecture, Law, Management, Basic and Applied Sciences, Liberal Arts, Health Science, and Hindustan Online – CODE. A total of 88 rank holders were honoured for their exceptional academic achievements, receiving awards from the Chief Guest and Chancellor.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, HITS conferred honorary doctorates during the ceremony. H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam received the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for his work in humanities, culture, peace, and society. ajesh Nambiar was awarded the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his leadership in digital transformation. Dr. Abraham Varughese and Dr. C. Emmanuel were similarly honoured for their achievements in technology and healthcare development, respectively.
The convocation also marked the inauguration of the Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory (CPS Lab), established in collaboration with iHub – AwaDH, IIT Ropar, and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), DST, Government of India. Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, inaugurated the lab, joined by Dr. Radhika Triksha, CEO, and Aditya Madan, CLO. The CPS Lab will provide hands-on training and research opportunities in agriculture automation, information systems, and water treatment technologies, fostering AI-enabled sustainable solutions.
Additionally, HITS launched the TANCAM Centre of Excellence, offering students access to advanced manufacturing facilities powered by Dassault Systèmes’ 3D EXPERIENCE platform. The centre was inaugurated by Thiru Sandeep Nanduri, IAS, in the presence of Vijaydeepan, CEO of TANCAM. This initiative aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills and global competitiveness.
Special awards were presented to outstanding students during the ceremony. Swathi N, Ph.D. Scholar in ECE, received the Founder Dr. K.C.G. Verghese Award for Best Research. Vishnu Priyan J, B.Tech IT (CS), was honoured with the Founder Chancellor Dr. Elizabeth Verghese Award for Academic Proficiency. The Chancellor Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese Award for Best Outgoing Student was awarded to Shivaranjeni from B.Tech Aero for her exemplary academic and co-curricular performance.
In his address, Chancellor Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, curiosity, and innovation. He encouraged students to pursue knowledge with resilience and passion. Chief Guest H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam shared personal anecdotes from his academic and professional journey, inspiring graduates to embrace challenges and follow their passions with determination and compassion.
Vice-Chancellor (I/C) Dr. S. Ganesan presented the Annual Report, highlighting the achievements of 2024–2025, including global collaborations, infrastructure advancements, and academic milestones. The report reflected the collective dedication of the HITS community in shaping a transformative year.
The 16th Convocation of HITS stood as a testament to the institution’s mission to nurture future leaders, researchers, and innovators, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in education and societal impact.