Gandhinagar: India today stands at a proud moment in its development journey, and it must become self-reliant in critical technologies and industries. History shows that countries become true economic powers only when they are strong in science and technology, and this can happen only if the nations lead in science and technology only when they have world-class universities, said Reliance Industries Chairman Mr Mukesh Ambani.
He was addressing the graduating students at the 13th convocation of Pandit Deendayal Energy University at Gandhinagar today. A total of 2195 students, including 41 PhD scholars and several merit medal winners, received their degree certificates.
Mr Sudhir Mehta, the Chairman Emeritus of Torrent Group, was the chief guest, while PDEU President Dr Mukesh Ambani addressed the graduating students, scholars, their parents and the academic fraternity from the campus.
The Director General of PDEU, Prof. (Dr) S. Sundar Manoharan, presented the Annual Report-2025, highlighting the achievements and advancements the university has made in the recent past.
The graduating students received their degree certificates in the presence of the Vice Chairman of the PDEU Board of Governors, Dr Hasmukh Adhia (IAS, retd); the Chairperson of the Standing Committee, Smt Anita Karwal (IAS, retd); the PDEU DG, Prof. (Dr) S. Sundar Manoharan; the Registrar of PDEU, Col. (Dr) Rakesh Kumar Shrivastawa; and other dignitaries from academia and industry.
There is stiff global competition in artificial intelligence, new energy and other technologies of the future. In this race, joh jeeta wohi Sikandar (winner takes all)! Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modiji, Bharat jeetega, Bharat aage badhega, Bharat duniya ko badalega, aur hum Bharat ko badalenge!”
For this, Mr Ambani asked the students to embrace what he called for companions: curiosity, courage, perseverance and gratitude. If you embrace these four friends, your journey will be purposeful, your achievements will be meaningful, and your life will be truly beautiful.
He asked the students to be curious and dream big. “ChatGPT can give you answers, but only you can ask the right questions. In the age of AI, the person with the most answers is smart, but the person with the best questions is a leader. Never let your curiosity and your faculty of thinking die,” he told the graduating students.
The global economy is growing at 2.6 per cent. India is sprinting ahead at nearly 8 per cent. While there is erosion of confidence elsewhere, India is bubbling with hope and self-confidence.
“A decade ago, the rest of India was talking about vibrant Gujarat. Today, the rest of the world is talking about vibrant India. Nevertheless, we must remember that the geopolitical situation has created certain challenges for our future progress,” he said.
“America became America because of its best-in-the-world universities. Europe demonstrated this truth much earlier. Japan did it. China is doing it. Now, it is India’s turn … and we should do better than all the rest.”
Earlier, describing Mr Sudhir Mehta as a deeply spiritual person and an embodiment of the finest Jain principles, Mr Ambani reminded the audience of the exemplary philanthropic service of the U N Mehta Foundation.
“You are a bridge between my father’s generation and my generation. And you are a role model for the new generation of entrepreneurs because of your vision, discipline, compassion and humility,” he said of Mr Mehta.
Calling PDEU a sacred shrine, he said, “Iss Mandir ki sthapana se main yahan seva karate aayaa hoon (I have been serving here since this temple was established). Therefore, coming here is like a pilgrimage to me… As PDEU grows from strength to strength, the happiest person is our most respected Prime Minister, Shri Narendrabhai Modiji. His blessings and his strategic vision have motivated us every step of the way. Years ago, I made a promise to him that PDEU would nurture world-class talent to power India’s energy ambitions. Looking at you today, I feel that promise being fulfilled.”
Earlier in the ceremony, the Chief Guest, Mr Sudhir Mehta, addressed the graduating students with a deeply motivational message, emphasising the significance of their academic journey. He remarked, “This degree is the culmination of years of Tapasya (penance) that you have done to prepare yourself for the future.”
Reflecting on the evolution of the university, he noted, “What began in 2007 as a visionary initiative by our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendrabhai Modi, focused on petroleum study has today flourished into a multidisciplinary university of national and international acclaim.” He added, “Great institutions are born when ideological foresight, academic excellence and resonant execution converge. PDEU is a shining example of that convergence.”
In his address, Mr Mehta offered the students three key principles to carry forward as they step into the next phase of their lives — insights drawn from his own experience in building one of India’s most respected enterprises. “Firstly, embellish self-reliance as a personal ethos, not just as a national goal. It is with this core idea of becoming self-reliant and making affordable quality medicine for the people of India that my late father, Shri UN Mehta, led the foundation of Torrent.”
Encouraging students to cultivate ambition and embrace emerging opportunities, he continued, “Secondly, think big. Drawing inspiration from my father’s visionary leadership over the years, we expanded our horizons beyond pharmaceuticals and tapped emerging opportunities in the area of energy, aligning our investments with national priorities. I urge you all to think big and chase your ambitions with a hunger to succeed. The future belongs to those who can combine science and technology with creative imagination to bring innovative solutions for society and improve the overall quality of life.”
He also urged graduates to navigate the rapidly changing technological landscape with discernment and strong values. “Lastly, engage with technology but stay grounded in values. You are graduating at a time when the world is undergoing one of the most profound technological transformations in the history of AI, renewable energy, semiconductors and digital technology. Always remember, technology gives you power, but values give you direction. Let integrity be your compass.”
Concluding his address, Mr Mehta acknowledged the indispensable support systems behind every student’s success. He stated, “To the parents, I can only imagine how proud you must be feeling today. Your child’s shining success is an outcome of numerous sacrifices you have made to support your child. This is your celebration too.” He also extended his gratitude to the faculty members, saying, “To the faculty, your mentorship has shaped the next generation of thinkers.”
While calling the convocation a proud moment for PDEU “as 2,195 graduates, including 41 distinguished PhD awardees, step into the world as ambassadors of knowledge and innovation,” PDEU Director General Prof (Dr) S Sundar Manoharan said such accomplishments were a testament to the relentless efforts of PDEU faculty, who continue to inspire excellence and nurture a research-driven mindset.
He also thanked the parents, saying, “Your encouragement, sacrifices, and belief in your children have been instrumental in shaping this achievement.”
Highlighting the institutional achievements, Prof. Manoharan said that PDEU continued to strengthen its national and global standing. This year, the university secured a unique distinction as the only state autonomous university, ranking 98th in the engineering category, 89th in the management category, and being placed among the top 50 institutions in India in the innovation category.
Also, for the first time, PDEU has marked its global presence by securing the QS Asia University Rankings 2025. “PDEU is placed between the 851–900 band, reaffirming our growing presence on the international academic landscape. These recognitions are a testament to our steady progress and our commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. At PDEU, we continue to encourage and support Translational Readiness Level (TRL 7–9) projects, ensuring that research is applied in real-world settings and contributes meaningfully to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Skill India, and Viksit Bharat,” he pointed out.
Among other achievements, Prof Manoharan listed three B.Tech programmes — Mechanical Engg., Petroleum Engg. (2nd term) and Electrical Engg. accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and the Washington Accord for the next three years; launch of 2+2 dual degree International B.Tech programs, starting in July 2026 with the University of Tulsa, USA; New Online Programmes for BBA and B.Com. courses as per NEP norms; Indo-Australia Solar Roof Top Academy under the umbrella of the Australia–India Renewable Energy Partnership, launched by the Prime Ministers of both nations, to train 2,000 women and youth as certified solar technicians and installers over the next two years (2025–26), aligned with Australian best practices.
“I am pleased to share that PDEU has been entrusted with the prestigious mandate to host this academy on our campus, supported by a generous grant of 1 million USD from the Australian Government and renewable energy pioneers, ReNew, along with the Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) serving as the certifying authority. This initiative will greatly strengthen our capacity-building efforts in renewable energy and skill development’” he said.
Prof. Manoharan announced the establishment of Gujarat’s first academic Bio-Safety Lab–III in PDEU’s Department of Biotechnology.
PDEU, Prof. Manoharan said, has joined the space technology club by establishing a VHF/UHF antenna-based satellite ground station, enabling real-time satellite tracking and communication. This state-of-the-art facility serves as an advanced educational platform, strengthening students’ technical capabilities, nurturing scientific curiosity, and inspiring interest in space exploration.
This ground station will enable PDEU to track Bharat Satellite, which PDEU envisages launching in 2027. “We greatly acknowledge the partnership rendered by ISRO–SAC, ISRO–InSPACE & Korak Space for their active collaboration and mentorship. It also enhances career opportunities in the rapidly growing fields of space science and engineering,” Prof. Manoharan said.
Prof. Manoharan announced the launch of PDEU’s new school, the School of Law (SoL), which has been approved by the Bar Council of India. “This new academic initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing future-ready legal professionals. The school offers a modern and intellectually vibrant ecosystem, featuring well-equipped classrooms with state-of-the-art ICT facilities, a resource-rich library, and a fully functional moot court where students can practically experience the roles of advocates and judges,” he said.
A salient feature of this convocation was the dignitaries’ visit to the newly created BSL-3 (Biotech labs) and PDEU-DST-NSDC Semiconductor Frontend Fab facility and Indo-Australian Solar Roof Training Academy. They interacted with high-level officials from the Australian High Commission, the Japan International Co-operation Agency, the Gujarat Biotech Mission and the Department of Science and Technology at these facilities.