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Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor of India, was the Chief Guest of this Momentous gathering CHENNAI, 11th July 2024: A total of 3,227 students graduated during the 62nd Convocation of Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), which was held in the campus today (11th July 2025). As many as 3,661 Degrees (including Joint and Dual Degrees) were awarded to the students on the occasion. A total of 529 PhDs were also awarded, which included PhDs, Joint Degree Ph.Ds with foreign institutions and Dual Degree PhDs. IIT Madras has had an eventful year, with many major milestones, including incubating more than 100 deep-tech start-ups for the first time in one financial year (2024-25), filing more than 400 patents and exceeding the vision of ‘One Patent a Day’ set out by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, admitting artists in the first batch under ‘Fine Arts and Culture Excellence’ (FACE) category, and witnessing the first-ever IIT Madras-incubated start-up going public (Ather). The Chief Guest of the occasion was Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor of India, with Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Padma Vibhushan (2024) Awardee and Internationally-acclaimed Bharatanatyam Dancer being the Guest of Honour. Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Madras, presided over the Convocation in the presence of Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, faculty, staff and students. Congratulating the graduating students and prize winners, Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor of India, said, “It’s an honor to be at IIT Madras, a pioneering institution of national value. You are the most fortunate generation in the last 1000 years of India’s history. You have proven your intelligence, dexterity, and commitment—qualities that very few can successfully channel into tangible success. You have a great future ahead but the real question is this: will you be able to intertwine your personal growth and progress with something greater than yourself? Will you be able to contribute meaningfully to society, to your country, to the civilization to which you owe so much?” Shri Ajit Doval added, “India is progressing rapidly. Next year, we may become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Institutions are now developing ecosystems, infrastructure, testing equipment, laboratories, and support systems and where they don’t exist, we’ll create them.  Your alumni network is a global asset. But don’t just aim for personal comfort abroad—true success lies in what you contribute, not where you live.” Further, Shri Ajit Doval said, “It is crucial that we develop our own indigenous technologies. As you step out into the world, remember this – carry your skills not just to earn, but to serve. Innovate not just for accolades, but for impact. And build a future that uplifts not only you, but the civilization you come from. This country has a great future—and that future is you. Dedicate yourself with purpose, do your best, and give your best.” DEGREES BREAK-UP During this Convocation, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, awarded degrees to 3,227 graduates including 820 B.Tech, 312 Dual Degree B.Tech and 711 M.Tech, 173 M.Sc (including joint M.Sc), 85 M.A, 181 Executive MBA, 93 MBA, 73 PG Diploma, and 250 M.S. The 529 PhD degrees also includes 10 joint degrees with universities in foreign countries including Australia, Singapore, France and Germany. Congratulating the graduating students, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Madras, said, “Hon’ble Prime Minister has outlined a bold vision of “Viksit Bharat”—a fully developed India—by the time we celebrate 100 years of independence. A nation where opportunity is equitable, innovation is native, and growth is sustainable. But let’s be clear—Viksit Bharat is not just going to happen by itself. It will require tremendous effort from all Indians. It is not the Prime Minister’s dream alone—it is a generational responsibility. And it belongs to you, the class of 2025. You will be at the peak of your careers in 2047. It is you who will build the infrastructure, design the technologies, write the policies, and lead the institutions that shape the India of the future.” Further, Dr. Pawan Goenka said, “You are not just graduating today. You are the architects, builders, visionaries, and dreamers—and this nation is the canvas awaiting your imagination. Whether you choose to become a researcher, entrepreneur, corporate leader, public servant, or academic, ask yourself – how can I help more? How can I help move India—not just in GDP—but in dignity, access, equity, and excellence?” Speaking on the occasion, Guest of Honour Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Padma Vibhushan (2024) Awardee and Internationally-acclaimed Bharatanatyam Dancer, said, “For the atomic physicist like Fritzoff Capra, the dance of Siva is the dance of the sub atomic world. The wonder is that this single piece of sculpture has immense information for one who desires. This fusion of science, technology and meta-physics is magnificently placed in front of CERN, where God-particle is being searched. This is the dichotomy in the field of research. It only proves that more inter disciplinary work is the need of the day. Only IITM can foster that.” Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam added, “IITM has always given importance for performing arts, through its festivals. Now a new door has been opened to admit two students in recognition of their merits in fine arts and one of them is reserved for a lady. I hope there will be a day when IIT opens regular courses in humanities and performing arts in particular.” IIT Madras was designated as an ‘Institute of Eminence’ in early 2020. The special grant that came with it is primarily being used to give a sharp impetus to research activities. Through an internal competitive process, the Institute identified for support nearly many research initiatives grouped under clusters, ranging from AI and Data Sciences to Safety Science and Systems, and Sensing and Vision. Presenting the Director’s Report, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “IIT Madras has jumped 47 positions to be ranked at 180th position in the QS World University Rankings 2026 from being ranked 227th last year, becoming the 3rd in the country to be ranked below 200.

ROURKELA, 10th July 2025: National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela Research team including Dr. Ramakrishna Biswal, Associate Professor, Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, along with his senior research scholar Mr. Abhijit Pathak, have reviewed how parenting a child with developmental disabilities negatively impacts the well-being of the parents. The study, published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, investigates how the continuous demands of caregiving impacts parent’s physical health, ultimately affecting their overall quality of life. Raising a child with developmental disabilities presents unique and often lifelong challenges. From teaching basic self-care to managing behavioural and sensory difficulties, parents face different situations that others may never experience. This results in deep emotional exhaustion and physical symptoms such as headaches, ulcers, chronic pain, and fatigue, particularly among mothers, who often handle major part of caregiving responsibilities. Over time, these physical ailments further reduce their ability to cope. To understand these experiences, the researchers surveyed 400 parents of children with conditions like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities. By using culturally adapted tools and advanced statistical techniques, the NIT Rourkela team found that a parent’s physical health plays a key role in shaping how stress impacts their body, mood, and relationships. Speaking about the key findings of the research, Dr. Ramakrishna Biswal, said, “Disability rights are rightly acknowledged, yet the invaluable contributions of caregivers often remain in the shadows. Caring for a child with developmental disabilities should not rest solely on parents, it is a shared responsibility of family, neighbors, and society. Caregiving is a demanding journey, but with non-judgmental support and wholehearted cooperation from trusted individuals and communities, caregivers can find strength, relief, and validation. Let us recognize their rights and ensure they, too, enjoy a life of dignity and fulfillment.” In India, these challenges are often intensified by social stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to specialised care. Many parents feel isolated from their communities and are unable to receive support from extended family. Healthcare, therapy, and respite services remain limited in many regions.   The study found that while physical health partly explains how stress affects parents’ health, it does not account for challenges such as financial strain. The researchers used the biopsychosocial model, which considers health to be shared by the complex interaction between physical, psychological, and social forces. This model enables the researchers in recording the interrelated effects of stress and how physical health operates both due to stress and as a factor that deepens its impact. The researchers recommend integrating caregiver health screening and stress management into paediatric disability services. They also advocate for community-based “one-stop” support centres where families can access medical, mental health, and financial support in one place. At its core, the study is a reminder that supporting a child with developmental disabilities means supporting the entire family. When caregivers are overwhelmed, isolated, and physically unwell, the child’s care suffers too. But with the right systems, including affordable healthcare, inclusive communities, and targeted mental health support, these families can be empowered to thrive. (Disclaimer:This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)