DRDO’s Samir Kamat urges UoH graduates to embrace uncertainty, pursue lifelong learning
Hyderabad, Oct 1 (TNT): Former Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chairman Dr Samir V Kamat on Thursday urged graduates of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) to embrace uncertainty, pursue their passions and continuously upgrade their skills, stressing that lifelong learning, adaptability and perseverance were essential for success.
Addressing the university’s 26th convocation as the chief guest, Kamat encouraged graduates to remain collaborative and persistent while navigating professional challenges.
Drawing on his experience at DRDO, he said there was no fixed formula for success and urged students to take calculated risks and carve their own career paths.
“Learning is a lifelong journey,” he said, emphasising the need to continuously acquire new skills and adapt to changing circumstances.
He also told graduates that pursuing work they were passionate about was key to excelling in their chosen fields.
Kamat highlighted DRDO’s contributions to India’s defence capabilities and its longstanding collaboration with the University of Hyderabad, particularly through the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence.
The university conferred 1,721 degrees, including 300 PhDs, and presented 178 medals to students for academic excellence at the ceremony held at the Global Peace Auditorium, Brahma Kumaris Shanti Sarovar, Gachibowli.
The convocation was presided over by University Chancellor Justice L Narasimha Reddy.
Telangana Governor and University Chief Rector Shiv Pratap Shukla and Vice-Chancellor Prof J Anuradha also attended the event.
In his address, Justice Narasimha Reddy urged graduates to uphold academic excellence, innovation and social responsibility, highlighting the university’s contributions to research, patents and entrepreneurship.
Governor Shukla called on graduates to remain humble and grounded, emphasising that education should be reflected in their character, values and sense of responsibility. He urged them to use their knowledge for the benefit of society and the nation.
Presenting the university’s achievements for 2025-26, Vice-Chancellor Prof Anuradha said UoH had 179 active research projects worth more than Rs 184 crore, while 34 faculty members had been recognised among the world’s top two per cent of cited researchers.
The university retained its position in the 851-900 band of the QS World University Rankings and entered the 801-1,000 band in the Times Higher Education rankings for 2027, she said.
The university also announced the Chancellor’s Awards for 2026 for five young faculty members in recognition of their contributions to research, teaching and student mentoring.
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