As India cements its position as the fastest-growing economy among G20 nations, industry and academic leaders urged graduates to combine technical expertise with resilience and long-term thinking. “Among the G20 countries, India is the fastest growing economy in the world, and right now, 140 crore people are a fast-growing middle class,” said Mr Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich Group, at the convocation ceremony of the Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering (MPSTME), SVKM’s NMIMS, Mumbai.


Speaking to the graduating students, Eckholt emphasised the importance of resilience in both personal and professional journeys. “You are the future growth engine of the country, and I would like to congratulate you on this wonderful opportunity which you have. The roads are not always in one direction only. Sometimes it’s bumpy. Sometimes there are stones in your way, which you cannot foresee. Sometimes you have to do a step back in order to be ready to do two steps forward.”


 

He encouraged students to prioritise growth over immediate gains. “Don’t look also at your CTC only at the beginning. You have to focus first on what your environment is about, the peers around you. First, you have to grow in your role. You have to grow as a person, and you have to find for sure also a good organisation which is opening the doors for you to start your professional career and grow in this organisation.”


Highlighting the strong academic and technical foundation that will serve graduates throughout their careers, Dr Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairman, Board of Governors – IIT Bombay & IIT Jammu, said, “As engineers, you have been trained to look at the work and ask how this can be made or done better; this is your most important and powerful tool. You have learned not just the formulas and theories, but how to think critically, how to work in teams, how to fail, and most importantly how to rise after failure.”


He further stressed that technology is a key driver of innovation, not a distant concept. “Artificial intelligence, green energy, quantum computing, biotechnology, space exploration, and nanotechnology are no longer futuristic concepts or mere jargon. They are today’s realities. But do not let that overwhelm you, let it excite you.”


Adding a practical framework for career success, Mr Mukesh Jain, CTO and Executive Vice President, Capgemini, shared his formula for success, the ‘Four A’s’: “Ambition – think big; Attitude – stay curious and fearless; Adaptability – embrace change without losing values; and Action – turn knowledge into results. These Four A’s will help you navigate life and build a meaningful career. Always aim high, maintain the right attitude, adapt to your environment, and always take action.”


Speaking to Dr Koteswararao Anne, Dean, MPSTME, he reminded students of the importance of giving back: “Small actions, like saving energy or optimising your work, matter. Share your knowledge, mentor others, and contribute wherever you can.”


Mr. Rajendran Dandapani, Business Solutions Evangelist at Zoho Corporation & President, Zoho School of Learning, stated this batch had something more than joy or apprehension - they had achieved something much greater, a sense of accomplishment and readiness. " I can see that there is fear of getting to the place, but the attitude is there: “I know challenges lie ahead. I may not be fully prepared, but I am ready to face and conquer them.”

The convocation was an honor celebrating academic excellence and was also a reminder that as graduates, the participants had to take the knowledge acquired and use it to evolve in their industry and contribute to build India. The dignitaries praised NMIMS for their programs and application-based, experiential learning built on sound business fundamentals and technical knowledge.


About NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering (MPSTME)


NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering (MPSTME), Mumbai focus on the emerging demands for technology and management education, and nurturing a creative and integrated learning environment. The school of technology management and engineering provides both advanced and sound technology education and a sound framework for management, to meet industries dynamic needs and changing needs of the society. Guided by a vision to develop engineers with strong technical expertise and the capability to create impactful technological solutions, MPSTME offers a diverse portfolio of contemporary engineering programmes. Its state-of-the-art laboratories, world-class infrastructure, and industry-aligned curriculum exemplify the school’s commitment to innovation, research excellence, and holistic student development.

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