RGIPT 10th Convocation and Institutional Progress
On Saturday, 24 October 2026, the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT), an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, held its 10th Convocation at the Bengaluru campus. The ceremony, attended by graduating students, conferred degrees and medals in recognition of academic achievement.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. B. K. Das, Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), who served as Chief Guest. Shri Srivats Kamisetty Prabhakaran, Senior Partner and Vice President of IBM, and Dr. Varadharaju Janardhanan, Chief Human Resources Officer of Super.Money, were the Guests of Honour. Prof. Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit, President of the Board of Governors of RGIPT, joined virtually.
Professor Harish Hirani, Director of RGIPT, outlined the institute’s recent advances. He highlighted expanding research capabilities, noting work in emerging areas such as hydrogen production from waste and reporting a performance improvement of approximately two‑ to four‑fold over earlier results. He emphasized the translation of research into patents, technologies and practical solutions for industry and society.
During the past year RGIPT signed at least 28 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with educational institutions, CSIR laboratories and industry partners to promote joint research, industry‑oriented training and related initiatives.
Infrastructure development was also detailed. The B‑Block hostel is now operational, with nine additional rooms earmarked for visiting parents, and a lift installation expected to be completed within one to two months. RGIPT announced a ₹50 crore campus development programme through NBCC that will deliver an auditorium, a girls’ hostel, a dining hall and a guest house, facilities intended to support Management Development Programmes, executive education and deeper industry engagement.
The President of the Board of Governors, Prof. A. B. Pandit, underscored the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and urged students to continuously upgrade their skills and apply AI tools for societal benefit. He called for teamwork, collaboration and a focus on translating research outputs into tangible outcomes.
Dr. Varadharaju Janardhanan encouraged graduates to value parental and teacher support, maintain gratitude, perseverance and positivity, and pursue lifelong learning. Shri Srivats Kamisetty Prabhakaran reinforced the need for critical thinking, effective communication and the ability to ask the right questions when using AI, advising graduates to seek feedback, apply knowledge to real‑world problems and contribute meaningfully to society.
Dr. B. K. Das praised Director Prof. Hirani’s leadership, expressed confidence in India’s rising global influence, and urged graduates to view their qualifications as a responsibility to advance the nation’s technological capabilities, innovation and development.
The convocation highlighted RGIPT’s commitment to producing skilled professionals, strengthening research and innovation, deepening industry collaboration and enhancing campus infrastructure, with the overarching goal of converting industry challenges into student projects, research into technology, and ideas into societal impact.