Mumbai: IIT-ISM’s 45th convocation, celebrated during its centenary year, emphasised the importance of socially responsible innovation and ethical leadership. The event was graced by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, who encouraged graduates to connect their education with the public good, climate responsibility, and inclusive progress. “The world is facing complex challenges,” she stated. “We need graduates who lead with empathy and sustainability.”
However, the centenary convocation of IIT (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad turned deeply personal for one proud family, as its daughter Preksha Prakash, a postgraduate student in Master’s in Business Analytics, stepped onto the dais to receive the first gold medal of the day — conferred by the President of India.
In the presence of distinguished dignitaries — Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, and leading academicians — Preksha was recognised for her academic excellence, becoming a symbol of perseverance, intellect and promise.
“I never imagined standing before the President of India — let alone receiving a gold medal from her. It was more than an honour; it was a reminder that hard work does pay off. This moment belongs not just to me, but to everyone who believed in me,” said Preksha, her voice trembling with emotion.
“This medal is my gift to my parents,” Preksha said. “They stood by me through every uncertainty, every deadline, every anxiety attack before a presentation. They are my real heroes,” she added.
“This isn’t the end. It’s the start of a bigger journey — where I want to work on data for social good, help institutions make better decisions, and maybe, one day, inspire someone else the way this institute inspired me,” she said with hope in her eyes.
Draped in her ceremonial gown, Preksha was among 1,880 students who graduated that day — but her recognition stood out as a shining testimony to how young Indian minds are embracing analytics, technology, and social relevance.
As the music swelled and the convocation caps flew into the air, Preksha quietly clutched her medal — not as a trophy, but as a milestone.
Preksha’s choice of Business Analytics as her discipline couldn’t have been timelier. “I’ve always believed data is not just numbers — it’s people, behaviour, impact. Studying analytics at IIT-ISM has helped me see how technology can truly serve society,” she said, smiling through a stream of congratulatory handshakes.
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in his address, encouraged students to “be job creators, not just job seekers,” while highlighting efforts like the Centre of Excellence for Tribal Welfare. The convocation also conferred 37 gold medals, 35 silver medals, and 21 sponsored awards, but for Preksha and her family, the event was more than medals and numbers.
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, established in 1926, has evolved from a mining and geology institution into a multidisciplinary centre of excellence. The President, along with the Union Education Minister and other guests, praised the institute’s journey and called upon students to transform their knowledge into action — not just for individual success but for the betterment of the nation.
Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Prof. Prem Vrat, welcomed the dignitaries, while Director Prof. Sukumar Mishra presented the institute’s annual report, highlighting its research, outreach, and academic accomplishments.
For Preksha’s family, this wasn’t just a proud day. It was a golden moment in the truest sense.
For Education News, Subscribe To Media Eye News
