Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence (Deemed to be University), continued its 33rd Convocation celebrations at Manipal on Saturday, 22 November 2025, reaffirming its commitment to preparing capable graduates, driving innovation, and championing excellence across diverse domains. The ceremony was attended by senior leadership of the university, including Mrs. Vasanti R. Pai, Trustee of MAHE, and Pro Chancellor Dr. H. S. Ballal. On Day Two, 1,651 students received their degrees, including 48 PhD awardees, and three outstanding students were honored with the prestigious Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal.
Chief Guest Address: Reinvention in the Age of AI
Delivering the convocation address, Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President, Asia Pacific Strategic Initiatives at Google Cloud, emphasized the urgent need for graduates to reinvent themselves in the age of artificial intelligence.
He noted that the graduates were entering “an extraordinary moment in history”, with AI reshaping industries across the globe. He reminded them that the challenges posed by emerging technologies are not only technical, medical, or managerial, but also ethical, social, and deeply human—requiring thoughtful, responsible action.
Encouraging the graduates to embrace responsible innovation, he urged:
“Don’t just build or use technology—do it responsibly. Don’t just ask ‘Can we build this?’ or ‘Can we use this?’ Ask ‘Should we build this?’ and ‘Should we use this?’ Use your skills not just for personal success but for societal progress.”
As a proud MAHE alumnus, Bedi reflected on his journey from Manipal to leading strategic initiatives across Asia. He observed that MAHE equips graduates not only with knowledge but also with the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world. Drawing on three decades of experience in technology, startups, and leadership, he highlighted that careers are rarely linear—they evolve through challenges, change, and continual reinvention.
“In this age of constant technological transformation,” he emphasized, “the key to a successful career is the ability to continuously reinvent oneself.”
Vice Chancellor’s Vision: A Future Built on Innovation
This message of reinvention echoed the transformative vision shared by Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE. He outlined a bold, future-ready roadmap rooted in innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, inclusivity, and academic excellence.
Highlighting MAHE’s position as a research-intensive university, he reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local communities, nurturing technology incubators, and driving sustainability. He emphasized MAHE’s role in shaping a greener, better tomorrow through research and innovation, while staying attuned to emerging challenges and opportunities brought by the AI revolution.
Celebrating Excellence: Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal Awards
Adding to the spirit of achievement, the ceremony recognized three exceptional students with the Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal 2025:
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Rashi Goel, MIT Manipal – B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering
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Neha Sreekumar, MCON Manipal – B.Sc. Nursing
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Mandira, MIC Manipal – BA Media & Communication
The medalists expressed heartfelt emotions, reflecting on journeys marked by persistence, long hours, moments of doubt, and the determination to excel. For them, the medal symbolizes resilience, creativity under pressure, and the belief that perseverance transforms challenges into success. They also conveyed deep gratitude to MAHE for providing the mentorship, opportunities, and environment that shaped their growth.
A Day Marked by Pride and Promise
Day Two of MAHE’s 33rd Convocation celebrated the academic and personal accomplishments of its graduates, highlighting the institution’s mission to cultivate versatile, responsible, and innovative leaders for a future defined by AI and technological advancement.
The ceremony concluded on an uplifting note, with students, families, faculty, and guests looking forward to the next day’s celebrations—eager for more moments of pride, recognition, and inspiration.