Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, celebrated its 33rd Convocation from November 21–23, 2025, in Manipal. The three-day ceremony conferred degrees to 4,944 students, including 170 PhD awardees, and recognized 10 exceptional students with the prestigious Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal across various disciplines.
The event was attended by senior leadership, including Mrs. Vasanti R. Pai, Trustee of MAHE; Pro Chancellor Dr. H. S. Ballal; and Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, along with faculty, families, and graduates. A notable highlight was the release of a first-day postal cover commemorating the 90th birthday of Dr. Ramdas M. Pai, Chancellor of MAHE, unveiled by Mrs. Vasanti Pai and Sri Ramesh Prabhu, Superintendent of Post Offices, Udupi Division.
The convocation featured distinguished addresses focusing on navigating the AI-driven era responsibly. On Day One, Prof. Dr. Ananya Mukherjee, Vice Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, emphasized the importance of human judgment alongside AI, urging graduates to “leverage AI to inform decisions, not replace them,” while keeping moral choices at the center.
On Day Two, MAHE alumnus Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President for Asia Pacific Strategic Initiatives at Google Cloud, discussed the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an AI-dominated world. He highlighted the ethical and societal dimensions of AI, urging graduates to innovate responsibly: “Don’t just build or use technology do it responsibly. Don’t only ask ‘Can we build this?’ but also ‘Should we?’”
Day Three featured Prof. (Dr.) Hany Eteiba, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, who stressed empathetic communication in a technology-driven world. He reminded graduates that “knowledge and science gain true meaning only when paired with humanity, attentive listening, and genuine connection,” encouraging leadership grounded in trust, dignity, and compassion.
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, presented a roadmap for innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence. He highlighted MAHE’s digital capabilities, sustainable initiatives including a 32-megawatt solar power facility, and the institution’s mission to cultivate a compassionate, globally aware, and industry-ready learning ecosystem.
The Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medals were awarded throughout the three days. Day One recipients included Ponnamma M. M. (M.Sc. Medical Biotechnology, MSLS Manipal), Nikita Marina Saldanha (B.Pharm, MCOPS Manipal), Cyril Biji (M.Sc. Biostatistics, PSPH Manipal), and Vindhya S. Badal (B.Sc. Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, MCHP Manipal). On Day Two, awards went to Rashi Goel (B. Tech Computer Science and Engineering, MIT Manipal), Neha Sreekumar (B.Sc. Nursing, MCON Manipal), and Mandira (B.A. Media & Communication, MIC Manipal). Day Three honorees included Nidhi S. (ME, Big Data Analytics, MSIS), Kashika Anil Kini (B. Com Professional), and Zhara Mohiddin (IPM, Manipal Institute of Management).
Graduates expressed gratitude for MAHE’s supportive environment, acknowledging that the convocation marks not only an academic milestone but also the beginning of a phase of responsibility and service to society.
The 33rd Convocation celebrated MAHE’s commitment to academic excellence, responsible leadership, and preparation of forward-thinking, industry-ready graduates for an AI-driven future. The celebrations will continue at MAHE Bengaluru on November 29–30, 2025.