Former ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar at 13th Graduation Day of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Mysore/Mysuru: “Learning is an ongoing journey that requires a continuous refinement of knowledge to align with the dynamic landscape of today’s world. Failing to evolve our understanding and adapt leaves us lagging in pursuing progress,” opined Padma Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

He made these remarks at the 13th Graduation Day of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru Campus, recently. A total of 502 Ph.D., UG and PG students received their degrees, including 62 rank holders and medal winners.

Emphasising the significance of meaningful education, Kiran Kumar stated, “Our learning must align with societal progress. We should move beyond excessive desire and become contributors to our community. The application of science and technology should cater to everyday needs of common individual.”

He underscored that fostering such forward-thinking perspectives is only achievable through valuable education. He also stressed the importance of students acquainting themselves with the foundational knowledge embedded in our rich heritage and cultural legacy.

The guest of honour, M. Sankaran, Director of U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, added, “Upon graduating, it’s crucial to remain open to the ongoing lessons that life presents. Ceasing to learn at any point opens the door for others to seize the opportunities and positions available to you. Therefore, it’s imperative to confront life’s challenges, continually acquire new knowledge, and share that knowledge.”

In his benedictory address, Sampujya Swami Poornamritananda Puri, General Secretary of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, stated that the essence of our being should remain untainted, as it’s this purity that propels us to great heights in life.

Dr. K. Sankaran, Registrar of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Dr. R. Dandapani, Controller of Examinations, Dr. U. Krishankumar, Dean, Dr. Prashant R. Nair, Vice- Chairman of Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Br. Anantaananda Chaithanya, Director of Mysuru campus, Br. Muktidamrta Chaitanya, Correspondent, Dr. Shekar Babu, Associate Dean, Dr. G. Ravindranath, Principal and others were present.

‘ISRO functioned as a cohesive team in Chandrayaan-3’

Recounting the successful moments of the Chandrayaan-3 project, M. Sankaran, Director of U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, stated that the entire ISRO collaborated as a cohesive team to achieve this triumph. The most significant reward for this collective effort was the unprecedented success. Behind this endeavour, the foundation of support lay in the positive wishes of thousands of individuals. Even those who were not acquainted with the project offered prayers and  good wishes, he said.

Former Chairman of ISRO Kiran Kumar emphasised the importance of ensuring that science, technology and space knowledge benefit the general populace. Illustrating the remarkable efforts of ISRO, he highlighted the responsibilities undertaken by ISRO during cyclones and in aiding fishermen with navigation.