NITians work for nation, IITians go abroad: Kirloskar

Nagpur: Sanjay Kirloskar, the chairman and managing director of Pune-based Kirloskar Brothers Ltd, on Sunday said he was of the view that students coming out of national institutes of technology (NITs) prefer to stay back and serve the nation while those from the premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are keen on going abroad soon after their graduation.
Speaking at the 17th Convocation ceremony of VNIT at the Suresh Bhat Auditorium, Kirloskar said his company was working with public sector companies like Nuclear Power Corporation of India, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) where he found the engineers mostly came from NITs and not IITs.
“I have observed that NITians are not like IITians who go abroad at the first opportunity that they bag. We all dream of earning more with the best of amenities at our service. However, how many of us have ever felt that we have a certain responsibility towards our country which has been integral in making us who we are?,” he said in his convocation address to VNIT students.
He said, “It’s about time now to return the favour by contributing towards the betterment of our country in whichever way we can. I feel the VNIT graduates who have stayed back have played and continue to play an integral role in laying the foundation of a better India, a developed India.”
The industrialist said he was amazed at the pace at which technology was transofroming everything around us. “Be it artificial intelligence, virtual reality, Internet of things, machine learning, robotics or the latest services that we come across in our lives like smart phones and 24X7 Internet connectivity. All these technologies are changing our behaviour and perception, our work culture, and even the way the industry operates today,” he said.
Kirloskar appealed the graduates to create breakthrough ideas. “I believe we always had brains and skill but somewhere have lagged when it comes to delivery. That is where engineers like you can make a difference,” he said.
VNIT chairman Vishram Jamdar said, “ Knowledge and courage have made you a strong man to accept any challenge of life. But always remember that no road leading to the peak of mountain is easy and simple. It is often said that failure is not a crime, but low aim is. Hence never think low because thinking is your capital asset,” he said.
Director PM Padole said the four years at the institute was a manifestation of hard work and sincerity, gaining knowledge and exposure to various life problems. “I am sure you will work hard for the nation while fulfilling your dreams,” he said.
Padole presented the annual report before the students, parents and the academic procession.
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‘Would like to work on Chandrayaan-like project’
Rashi Laddha, who topped the 17th convocation of VNIT, said she aspires to take up astronomy and work on a Chandrayaan-like project in the future. Among the six awards, Laddha bagged the coveted Sir Visvesvarya Medal for scoring the highest CGPA in all disciplines of the BTech programme. She also said she considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi as her role model. Laddha believes hard work plus smart work is the key to achieve success. “I like the way our PM talks and consider him as my role model. I wish to work on a space project someday after taking up astronomy,” said the computer engineer.
Besides Laddha, Akshar Rakholiya bagged nine medals and prizes.
Akshar, a civil engineer, wants to take up the construction business of his family. He dedicated his success to his parents and teachers. “My role models are my father and Sardar Patel,” he said.
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17th convocation
Degrees
PhDs | 100
MTech | 268
MSc | 53
BTech | 677
BArch | 55
Awards
Rashmi Laddha | Sir Visvesvaraya Gold Medal
Akshar Rakholiy | highest number of awards
Mayank Shivhare | Hemant Karkare award