In a powerful address aimed at shaping India's future, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somanath, called for a stronger alliance between the academic world, industry, government, and civil society. He delivered this message while speaking at the 106th annual convocation of the University of Mysore (UoM) on Monday.
A Call for Translational Research and National Development
S Somanath stressed that universities must transform into hubs of translational research, where scientific discoveries rapidly progress from academic papers to working prototypes and finally to market-ready products. He framed this collaboration as essential to unlocking India's full potential and cementing its status as a powerful, developed nation.
The ISRO chief directly linked this academic mission to the country's ambitious space endeavors. He told the gathered graduates that projects like the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, the planned Venus orbiter, and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station are not just ISRO's projects, but an open invitation to their generation.
"These coming endeavours are invitations to your generation: to design, to build, to test, to fly," Somanath stated. He urged them to move beyond asking 'if we can' to pondering 'how responsibly we should' undertake these monumental tasks. He assured them that the horizon ahead is filled with transformative fields that will influence every aspect of their future careers.
Governor Emphasizes Value-Based Education
Presiding over the convocation as the Governor-Chancellor, Thaawar Chand Gehlot highlighted the critical role of an education system that blends modern knowledge with strong ethical values. He argued that such an integrated approach is fundamental to preserving India's national unity, social harmony, and rich cultural integrity.
"India's rich cultural heritage has always promoted universal brotherhood, peace, equality, and harmony," Gehlot said. He believes that an education rooted in these values, alongside contemporary learning, will help safeguard cultural and religious heritage, strengthen national integrity, foster social cohesion, and offer a positive direction for global humanity.
Congratulating the students on their success, the Governor stated that their degrees symbolize academic excellence, discipline, and intellectual achievement. He encouraged them to utilize their hard-earned knowledge not solely for personal advancement but for the broader development of society, their state, and the nation.
Honorary Doctorates Conferred
The prestigious convocation ceremony also saw the University of Mysore confer honorary doctorates upon three distinguished individuals for their contributions to various fields. The recipients were:
- SV Rajendra Singh Babu, noted film director.
- T Sham Bhat, acting chairperson of the state Human Rights Commission.
- P Jayachandra Raju, a social activist and educationist.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Higher Education Minister and Pro-Chancellor MC Sudhakar, Vice-Chancellor NK Loknath, and Registrar MK Savitha.
The convocation served as a significant platform where visions for India's technological future and its educational foundations converged, setting a roadmap for the country's next generation of leaders and innovators.
