Padma Shri Awardee Sitanshu Yashaschandra Urges Graduates to Question Beliefs, Use Language with Sensitivity at Ahmedabad University’s 15th Convocation

Ahmedabad University marked a significant milestone as it hosted its 15th Annual Convocation, celebrating the graduating Class of 2025. The ceremony brought together students, families, faculty, alumni, and the University’s leadership to honour not only academic accomplishments but also the values that shape a meaningful life.

Degrees were conferred on 833 students across the Amrut Mody School of Management​​​​​, the School of Arts and Sciences​​​​​​, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science​​​​​​. Six doctoral degrees were awarded. Gold medals were presented to five students for their academic excellence and leadership: Jinay Shah (MBA), Mustafa Murtuza Rupawala (Integrated MBA), Prashansa Shah (BTech), Dev Morbia (BBA Honours), and Om Parekh (BA Honours).

Delivering the Convocation Address was Professor Sitanshu Yashaschandra, celebrated poet, playwright, scholar, and Padma Shri awardee. Reflecting on the role of universities in shaping reflective and responsible citizens, he said: “Disability doesn’t always come from the body - it often comes from the environment. When society fails to support people, it ends up disabling them. Our languages, too, can be harsh. Language is powerful. It can reveal, hide, or even distort reality. Today, different disciplines are coming together, each with their own way of thinking. This makes us ask - are we, through our actions, making people disabled? Your education should help you confront that question. I hope Ahmedabad University keeps nurturing thoughtful individuals and a balanced society.”

Sanjay Lalbhai, Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors, advised graduates to embrace both success and failure as essential to growth. “Follow your passions and innate abilities,” he said. “Face challenges with resilience and make a difference through curiosity and thoughtful action.”

Professor Pankaj Chandra​​​​​​, Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Management, urged the graduating class to remain intellectually open and self-aware: “When you ask questions, your ideas often clash with your beliefs. That is when the real learning begins. Beliefs feel safe - they give you stability. But it is ideas that take you forward, that help you grow. So when you feel most certain, that is the time to question yourself the most. That is how you will reach closer to the truth - not through someone else’s eyes, but your own.”

He also highlighted the University’s growing stature. Ahmedabad University was awarded the Leadership and Management Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025 - their highest honour - and was selected for the second consecutive time as a Centre of Excellence by the Gujarat Government.

A significant milestone came when GIFT City selected Ahmedabad University to establish the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI)​​​​​​, in partnership with leading national and international institutions. The University has since inaugurated the Institute and commenced offering courses. Another important development was the announcement of a new School of Performing and Visual Arts, launched with the Sabarmati International Contemporary Arts Festival of Ahmedabad (SICAFA)​​​​​​, reflecting the University's expanding academic vision.

This past year also saw the launch of several pioneering programmes, including India’s first MTech in Composites (in collaboration with ATIRA), a dual-degree BxMx programme that bridges arts, sciences, and professional careers, and a new PhD in Epidemiology offered through the Bagchi School of Public Health​​​​​​. A specialised undergraduate programme in Electrical and Electronics Engineering has also been introduced to meet the needs of the growing semiconductor and electronics industry.

Students from the Class of 2025 worked on a wide range of projects - from improving urban mobility using data analytics, to developing AI-powered tools for language preservation, to designing community-led sustainability solutions. Their work reflects Ahmedabad University’s approach to learning: combining theory with action, and knowledge with purpose.

Sixteen years since its founding, Ahmedabad University continues to grow as a space where ideas take root, disciplinary boundaries are challenged, and students are prepared to engage thoughtfully with the world. The 15th Annual Convocation marked a moment to reflect on that journey - and to set the stage for what comes next.