Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, speaking at the 18th convocation of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) on Thursday, said the talent and potential of today’s graduates will take the country to new heights on the global stage. “Today’s graduates are the real drivers of a developed India,” he said at the event organized at the university’s East Delhi campus in Surajmal Vihar. A total of 26,649 degrees were awarded to students, which includes 124 PhD, 11 MPhil, 2,873 Post Graduate, 22,455 Bachelor, 477 MBBS and 709 MD/MS and DM/MCh degrees. University officials said 70 percent of the PhD recipients graduating this year are women. Seventy-six gold medals and six memorial prizes were awarded to meritorious students. Addressing the ceremony, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Chancellor of GGSIPU, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that the convocation not only marks the end of an academic journey but also the beginning of new responsibilities towards nation building. He said students are entering a world increasingly reshaped by Artificial Intelligence and sustainable innovation, and urged them to go beyond textbook education. LG Sandhu said, “In the age of AI and innovation, logical thinking is the real power.” “The degree must go beyond textbook knowledge,” he said. He said that adaptability, logical thinking and courage to innovate will be important in the coming years. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Developed India @2047”, he said the country needs problem-solvers who can tackle complex challenges in areas such as urban development, public health and digital governance. GGSIPU Vice Chancellor Mahesh Verma reaffirmed the university’s focus on innovation, research and preparing students for the rapidly evolving world. “Proceed with responsibility, integrity and purpose,” he said. Vice Chancellor of Delhi University and Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education Yogesh Singh also attended the convocation ceremony. The Chief Minister said that the convocation ceremony reflected the years of hard work, discipline and dedication of the students. He urged the students to use their education not only for personal development but also for the larger well-being of the society. He also highlighted the university’s work in emerging areas such as AI, robotics, data science and design innovation. Praising the Atal Incubation Center in the university, the Chief Minister said that it has supported more than 170 startups, helping youth transform from job seekers to job creators. Highlighting the education priorities of the Delhi government, Gupta said that this year the education budget has increased to Rs 19,326 crore. “Our aim is not just to make schools smart but also to ensure world-class facilities in higher education,” the Chief Minister said. He said more than 2,200 students are receiving free coaching for competitive exams like JEE, NEET and CLAT.