Energy security, sustainability key to India’s future: VK Saraswat

Visakhapatnam: India’s future will be shaped by energy security, sustainability, and technological self-reliance, said Dr V.K. Saraswat, member, Niti Aayog. He was the chief guest at the sixth convocation of the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, conducted for the first time at its permanent campus at Vangali in Anakapalle district.Addressing the students, Dr Saraswat said that the country’s transition towards clean energy, green hydrogen, renewable energy systems, energy storage technologies, and advanced manufacturing would require highly skilled professionals and innovative research ecosystems. “Graduates must contribute towards nation-building through integrity, leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning. Climate responsibility and technological sovereignty are equally important, and students should emerge as architects of India’s energy future while contributing meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat,” he said.The event was presided over by Prof PK Banik, president, Board of Governors, IIPE, in the presence of Prof Shalivahan, director, IIPE, Ram Phal Dwivedi, Registrar, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty, staff, students, parents, and distinguished guests.A total of 114 students received degrees during the convocation, including 97 B.Tech. students (46 in Petroleum engineering and 51 in chemical engineering), 15 M.Sc. students in applied geology, and 02 Ph.D. scholars. Ansul Chatterjee was awarded the president’s gold medal for academic excellence and all-round merit.In his address, Prof. P.K. Banik underscored the importance of strengthening India’s energy security through research, innovation, and indigenous technological development. “IIPE is playing an important role in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence applications in the energy sector, renewable energy systems, hydrogen technologies, and geophysical exploration for natural hydrogen resources,” he said.Prof. Shalivahan, director, IIPE, described the convocation as a historic milestone as it was conducted for the first time at the Institute’s permanent campus. “The transition from the transit campus to the permanent campus reflected the institute’s commitment towards growth, academic excellence, and institutional identity,” said the director.