• Padma Shri Awardee and NIAS Bengaluru Director Dr. Shailesh Nayak urges graduates
• 16th Convocation Day held at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru Campus

Mysuru: “It is our duty to ensure the sustainability of planet Earth, which provides us with the resources, energy and ecosystem that sustain life,” said Padma Shri awardee Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, addressing the graduating students at the 16th Convocation Day of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru Campus recently.

He highlighted issues including livelihood, climate change and environmental degradation, noting that rapid technological and economic growth has also contributed to widening inequalities and digital divide.

Calling for resilience rather than despair, Dr. Nayak urged the graduates to view these challenges as opportunities to develop innovative solutions that can sustain development while improving quality of life.

Further, he encouraged them to make meaningful contributions to society and to have the courage to take risks and confront challenges.

Delivering the benedictory address, Sampoojya Swamini Shamadamrita Prana, Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, reminded the graduating students that education is far greater than the acquisition of degrees, knowledge and professional skills.

She urged the graduates to recognise the role played by their parents, teachers and institution in their journey and to approach their achievements with gratitude and humility.

Speaking about the role of young people in nation-building, Swamini Shamadaamrita Prana described youths as a powerful force endowed with energy, intelligence, creativity, idealism and courage. At the same time, she cautioned the graduates against negative influences, including substance abuse and the manipulation of emotions and information.

Dr. Bipin Nair, Registrar, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, emphasised the need to balance innovation with inclusiveness and technological advancement with humanitarian values.

O. Sham Bhat, Senior Advocate, Scholar and Author, spoke about the responsibility of citizens while choosing their representatives. He also expressed concern over cultural degradation and highlighted the growing influence of social media on society, particularly its impact on values, behaviour and public discourse.

A total of 586 students (Ph.D., UG and PG) received their degrees during the convocation ceremony, including 6 Ph.D., 56 rank holders and medal winners, with 14 gold and 8 silver medals awarded.

Dr. Prashanth R. Nair, Deputy Registrar; Dr. P. Krishna Kumar, Controller of Examinations; Prof. U. Krishnakumar, Dean, Arts, Humanities & Commerce, Kochi; Br. Anantaanda Chaitanya, Director, Amrita Mysuru; Prof. Shekar Babu, Associate Dean, Amrita Mysuru, Prof. G. Ravindranath, Principal, Amrita Mysuru; Dr. Rekha Bhat, Academic Coordinator and others were present.