Visakhapatnam: India's future will be shaped by energy security, sustainability, and technological self-reliance, said Dr V.K. Saraswat, member of Niti Aayog, while addressing the sixth convocation of the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE). The event was held for the first time at the institute's permanent campus in Vangali, Anakapalle district.
Key Address by Dr Saraswat
Dr Saraswat emphasized that India's transition towards clean energy, green hydrogen, renewable energy systems, energy storage technologies, and advanced manufacturing would require highly skilled professionals and innovative research ecosystems. He urged graduates to contribute to nation-building through integrity, leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning. "Climate responsibility and technological sovereignty are equally important," he said, adding that students should emerge as architects of India's energy future while contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Convocation Ceremony Details
The event was presided over by Prof PK Banik, President of the Board of Governors, IIPE, in the presence of Prof Shalivahan, Director, IIPE; Ram Phal Dwivedi, Registrar; members of the Board of Governors and Senate; faculty; staff; students; parents; and distinguished guests.
A total of 114 students received degrees: 97 B.Tech. students (46 in Petroleum Engineering and 51 in Chemical Engineering), 15 M.Sc. students in Applied Geology, and 2 Ph.D. scholars. Ansul Chatterjee was awarded the President's Gold Medal for academic excellence and all-round merit.
Remarks by Prof PK Banik
Prof Banik underscored the importance of strengthening India's energy security through research, innovation, and indigenous technological development. He noted that IIPE is playing a pivotal role in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence applications in the energy sector, renewable energy systems, hydrogen technologies, and geophysical exploration for natural hydrogen resources.
Director's Address
Prof Shalivahan, Director of IIPE, described the convocation as a historic milestone, marking the first time the event was held at the institute's permanent campus. He stated that the transition from the transit campus to the permanent campus reflects the institute's commitment to growth, academic excellence, and institutional identity.
