Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) marked its 125th convocation ceremony on Thursday with chief guest NITI Aayog member Vijay Kumar Saraswat emphasising on interdisciplinary problem-solving and innovation for India’s future. “We need practitioners who think beyond boundaries, recognising the interlinkages of challenges across domains,” he added.
This year, 93,219 students received degree certificates for their undergraduate and postgraduate programmes completed in October-November 2023 and April-May 2024. Among them were 165 PhD scholars. Seventeen meritorious students across various faculties were awarded 28 gold medals, with 10 women leading the tally.
Vice-chancellor Suresh Gosavi emphasised SPPU’s improving global standing and its commitment to internationalisation under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“Our next step is to start a centre in Dubai after Qatar. We have signed a letter of intent with universities in Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan, and will extend our centres there. We have formalised collaborations through MoUs with international institutions,” Gosavi said, urging students to embrace the global opportunities ahead.
Saraswat said the challenges facing scientists, engineers, social scientists, and technologists are vastly different now. While specialisation remains critical, he stressed the growing importance of a holistic, integrative approach to problem-solving.
He called for a shift towards “a system approach of integrative science,” arguing that the 21st century is a knowledge-driven age powered by data and interdisciplinary innovation.
“The contemporary landscape presents multifaceted challenges across domains. Practitioners must think beyond boundaries, recognising the interlinkages of problems to be solved,” Saraswat said.
He underlined the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nanotechnology in addressing challenges, including climate change and energy security.
Saraswat added, “India must prioritise clean and affordable energy, sustainable industrial practices, and eco-friendly transportation solutions. These are crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for energy security.”
Touching on the nation’s technological missions—including the National Quantum Mission, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen and semiconductor initiatives—he stressed that nations with technological superiority, rather than abundant resources, will dominate global geopolitics.
As India approaches its centenary of independence, Saraswat urged the young graduates to be prepared for challenges and opportunities. “The end-product of education should be a free and creative individual who contributes to the nation’s advancement,” he said.