University of Hyderabad Marks Its XXV Convocation with Focus on Innovation and Inclusion

The University of Hyderabad celebrated its XXV Convocation on October 7, 2025, at the Brahma Kumaris Shanti Sarovar Global Peace Auditorium, Gachibowli. The event was an important moment in the University’s journey as one of India’s leading centres of higher education.

The ceremony began with the traditional academic procession. After the National Anthem, the Hon’ble Chancellor, Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, declared the Convocation open. He congratulated the graduating students, Ph.D. awardees, and medal winners for their achievements and praised the efforts of the Vice-Chancellor and faculty in maintaining the University’s high academic and research standards. Justice Reddy urged students to use their knowledge for the nation’s growth, referring to Dr. Krishna Ella and Bharat Biotech’s contribution during the pandemic as an inspiring example. He said that education should always be guided by honesty, social responsibility, and love for the country.

Telangana Governor and Chief Rector of the University, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, called the Convocation a celebration of hard work and vision for a better future. Quoting Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, he said, “Cultivation of minds should be the ultimate aim of human existence,” reminding students that education must build an equal and inclusive society. He encouraged them to combine technology with compassion, saying, “Technology must serve humanity, not replace it.” He urged graduates to stay humble, create opportunities for others, and lead with a sense of purpose.

Delivering the Chief Guest’s address, Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech International Limited, advised students to focus on innovation, skill, and imagination to move India forward. Recalling his association with the University of Hyderabad for the past 40 years ago, Dr. Ella said, “A university degree gives knowledge, but two other components, skill and imagination, must be added to make innovation meaningful.”

Sharing his journey in science and vaccine development, he spoke about the importance of hands-on learning and entrepreneurship. “Innovation is in front of us. It’s not taught; it must be visualised,” he said, giving examples of traditional Indian products that gained recognition abroad. He reminded students that India was once a world leader in innovation but lost that spirit when people stopped taking risks. “We became job seekers instead of job creators,” he said, urging students to take initiative and find solutions to social problems.

He also spoke about the importance of imagination in science and recalled how Bharat Biotech overcame doubt during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Many doubted that Indian scientists could deliver. But we proved that India can lead in science and innovation,” he said. He encouraged students not to blame others, adding, “Innovation begins with you. Even if you fail as an entrepreneur, your skills will help you rise again.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof. B. J. Rao presented the University’s annual report, outlining the main achievements of 2024–25. He said that UoH continues to attract students from across India, many of them first-generation learners. He highlighted that the University is not only an academic institution but also a green campus committed to sustainability.

Prof. Rao reported that UoH’s QS World University Rankings for citations per faculty improved to 335 in 2025 from 372 in the previous year. Seven subjects, including English, Linguistics, Sociology, Chemistry, Economics, Physics, and Biological Sciences, were ranked among the world’s best. Performing Arts achieved its highest-ever global rank in 2024.

He also mentioned that UoH leads the ₹100-crore ANRF-PAIR project connecting six universities to address key challenges in healthcare and new technologies. The University has also partnered with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on Digital Twin research and skill development. UoH currently manages 178 research projects worth ₹161.9 crore and has published more than 700 papers in reputed international journals. Fifty patents have been granted, and 25 more are under review. Thirty-four current and former faculty members were listed among the world’s top two percent of most-cited researchers in a global study by Stanford University.

Prof. Rao spoke about the University’s startup ecosystem under the ASPIRE incubation programme. Startups supported by UoH have raised over ₹100 crore, launched 20 products, and created more than 500 skilled jobs, with nearly half led by women entrepreneurs. Under the Institute of Eminence (IoE) initiative, new research centres, hostels, laboratories, and digital classrooms are being developed. The IoE has also supported more than 100 conferences, post-doctoral fellowships, and scholar awards.

This year, 1,717 students graduated, with 990 receiving their degrees in person. Among them were two inspiring stories that stood out.

Ms. Gopi Tejaswi, a visually impaired student from M.A. Political Science, received a gold medal under the OBC category for her outstanding performance. Her achievement showed great strength and perseverance, representing the University’s spirit of inclusion and equal opportunity.

Another inspiring story was that of Dr. Mohammed Sultan Khan from Kashmir, who received his Ph.D. and was awarded the Prof. Yenugu Ramaswamy Naidu Medal for the best Ph.D. thesis in Animal Biology. His journey reflected the power of determination and hard work in overcoming challenges.

The Chancellor’s Awards 2025 were given to five young faculty members that included Dr. Hoineilhing Sitlhou (Sociology), Dr. R. Prasantha Kumar (Management Studies), Dr. Abhiram Soori (Physics), Dr. Manjari Kiran (Life Sciences), and Dr. N. D. S. Naga Seema (Psychology) — for their excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. The Chief Guest also presented medals to meritorious students.

The XXV Convocation of the University of Hyderabad reflected its continued commitment to excellence, inclusion, and innovation — true to its motto, “Sa vidya ya vimuktaye” which means “True education is that which liberates”.

 

-By Mahi Sharma, MA Communication (Media Studies)