Governor urges VTU graduates to become job creators, focus on innovation

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot speaking at the 26th Annual Convocation of Visvesvaraya Technological University in Belagavi on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday (September 26) urged engineering graduates to become job creators rather than job seekers and use their knowledge and skills to contribute to nation-building.Delivering the convocation address at the 26th annual convocation of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) at its Jnana Sangama campus in Belagavi, Mr. Gehlot, who is also the Chancellor of the university, called upon students to dream big, set ambitious goals and work continuously towards achieving them.He said graduates would encounter numerous opportunities and challenges as they embarked on a new chapter in life. “Remain humble when you achieve success, be patient when you face difficulties, and when you encounter failure, make another attempt and move forward,” he advised.Emphasising on the importance of research and innovation, the Governor urged universities to focus on developing solutions to real-world challenges rather than limiting their efforts to research publications.He called for research in areas such as water conservation, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, rural technology, healthcare, smart mobility, cybersecurity, climate change and the circular economy.“Research publications are important, but the real-world impact of research is even more important. Priority should be given to research that provides solutions to societal challenges and brings positive changes to people’s lives,” he said.Referring to Karnataka’s emergence as a major centre for innovation and technology, Mr. Gehlot said Bengaluru had given India a distinctive identity on the global technology map. He urged students to translate this advantage into entrepreneurship and employment generation.“If a student establishes a successful start-up and creates employment opportunities for other young people, such an achievement would not only mark personal success but also contribute to strengthening the economic power of the nation,” he said.‘Developed nation’The Governor also highlighted India’s traditional contributions to engineering and science, including architecture, water management, metallurgy, mathematics, astronomy and medicine. He called upon the younger generation to integrate this knowledge heritage with modern science and technology to help transform India into a developed nation.Recalling the legacy of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, whose name the university bears, he said the engineer and nation-builder continued to inspire generations. His message, “Industrialise or Perish”, should be understood in the present context as a call to innovate, become self-reliant and contribute to national development, he said.Mr. Gehlot urged graduates to draw inspiration from the hard work of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the vision of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the self-confidence of Swami Vivekananda and the commitment of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to knowledge and the Constitution.Honorary doctoratesDuring the convocation, honorary Doctor of Science degrees were conferred on Sabitha Ramamurthy, president of CMR Jnanadhara Trust; M.P. Shyam, president of RV Education Committee Trust; and T.G. Sitharam, former chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education.Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi, VTU Vice-Chancellor S. Vidyashankar, Registrar Prasad B. Rampure, Registrar (Evaluation) U.J. Ujwal, members of the university’s Executive Council and Academic Senate, faculty members, graduating students and their parents were present. Published - September 26, 2026 06:49 pm IST