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The ceremony was attended by faculty members, industry leaders and families of the students. The event was graced by Smriti Irani as the Chief Guest, who addressed the graduating students.
This year’s batch included 51% women, reflecting the institute’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive learning environment. This is an important step toward promoting balanced representation in business leadership.
Message from Kumar Mangalam Birla
On this occasion, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chancellor of BITS Pilani, told the students that in today’s world, courage, versatility and empathy are essential for success. He added that the future belongs to those who have the courage to make decisions, the ability to adapt to change and the willingness to connect with others.
Inspiring Address by Smriti Irani
Smriti Irani said in her speech that the biggest battle a person fights is within their own mind. She advised students to learn to control their minds, keep learning continuously, and make trust their greatest asset in life. She also emphasized that competition should not only be about winning but also about growth.
Focus on Institutional Growth
V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, encouraged students to dream big while staying grounded. He highlighted that the success of an institution depends greatly on the contributions of its students and alumni.
Importance of Resilience in an Uncertain Future
Saravanan Kesavan, Dean of BITSoM, noted that predicting the future is becoming increasingly difficult. He advised students to use AI effectively but also to build personal resilience so they can move forward even in uncertain situations.
Recognition of Top Performers
At the ceremony, Nanduri V P S Anirudh was declared Valedictorian for best academic performance, while Sushant Khandelwal received the Chancellor’s Award for all-round excellence. Additionally, 9 students were included in the Dean’s Merit List and 9 others were honoured with the Excellence Award.
Faculty Recognised
Among faculty members, Prof. A. Prabhu Venkatachalam was awarded for excellence in Core Courses, Prof. Lil Mohan for Electives, and Prof. Ratan Postwala for excellence in WAW (Winning at the Workplace) courses.
Achievements at National and International Levels
Students also performed exceptionally well at international platforms. A team won the EMI Cornell Corning Case Competition hosted by Cornell University, while another team secured a place in the Top 10 at the Harvard Global Case Competition.
Additionally, Kritika Kotecha was recognised among the Top 100 Essayists at the St. Gallen Symposium.
At the national level, students delivered strong performances in competitions organised by Tata Consumer, BCG, CIPLA, TVS Credit, Grant Thornton and Lupin.
Enhanced Learning Through Campus Activities
Students further enriched their experience through initiatives such as the BITSoM Business Conclave, ROAR festival, Business Valley and BITS of Wisdom. These platforms provided valuable exposure to leadership, innovation and practical learning.
Overall, the BITSoM Class of 2026 is stepping into the professional world with a strong academic foundation and is well-prepared to begin a new phase of their careers, where knowledge, leadership and responsibility will play a crucial role.
