Overview

Former West Bengal governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi addressed Vidyashilp University’s first convocation in Bengaluru on August 7, 2026, warning that the easy availability of digital, cyber and artificially created options is “benumbing” independent thought. He urged universities to treat artificial intelligence (AI) only as an instrument, not as a master, and to nurture citizens who can reason and uphold democratic values rather than merely producing graduates.

Key Remarks and Context

Gandhi highlighted Karnataka’s legacy, invoked National Handloom Day by recalling Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay’s contributions to the freedom movement, gender equity, and human rights, and referenced constitutional adviser B. N. Rau and Justice K. S. Hegde, emphasizing the graduates’ responsibility as guardians of the Constitution.

Convocation Details

The ceremony, held at the Dr. P. Dayananda Pai Auditorium, Vidyashilp Academy, saw 42 graduates from the School of Engineering and Technology, 21 from the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, 5 from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and 2 from the School of Design, totaling 70 degree recipients.

Student Achievements

  • Aman Kumar secured the highest CGPA in the B.Tech (Hons.) Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science) programme, received the Chancellor’s Medal, and delivered the valedictory address.
  • Aman Kumar and Amar Singh earned special recognition for an AI‑and‑machine‑learning system that converts voice complaints into categorized tickets, designed to help Indian Railways process customer grievances.
  • Olavu Chaluvaraju, Shreya Bikshavarthy Math, and Joshitha S developed a predictive AI model for GST analytics during a national hackathon.

Institutional Vision

Vice‑Chancellor Prof. P. G. Babu emphasized the university’s interdisciplinary curriculum, stating that “our interdisciplinary way of teaching is our greatest strength” and that students do not study in disciplinary silos. The academic model blends a liberal‑arts core with majors, minors, and interdisciplinary centres, linking AI, psychology, economics, law, finance, design, and data science.

Leadership Statements

Chancellor Dr. P. Dayananda Pai urged graduates to become self‑reliant, create jobs, and stay relevant as work evolves, stressing that the goal is to create knowledge rather than merely consume it. He disclosed that the university has expanded from 70 students in 2022 to approximately 650 in 2026, with faculty numbers rising from 22 to 82 and staff from 23 to 170. About 70 % of faculty now hold PhDs.

Attendees

The event was attended by Pro‑Chancellor Dr. Kiran Pai, Registrar T. R. Ramakrishnan, members of the Board of Governors and Academic Council, faculty, students, parents, and other guests.

Disclaimer

The press release is provided under an arrangement with NRDPL. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the content.