Venkapayya R. Desai, Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Dharwad, emphasized that students must study ancient Indian science as manifested in historical buildings, including temples and palaces.

He delivered the keynote address at the 13th graduation ceremony of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Engineering and Technology (SDMCET) in Dharwad on Saturday.

Prof. Desai spoke about the vast knowledge contained in ancient Indian traditions and gave several examples of engineering projects from various periods.

He urged students to study ancient engineering marvels created using ancient science and technology. He also urged them to take pride in the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions and learn from the past for future success.

Prof. Desai said that engineering students should do research in this field and spread the word about ancient Indian engineering works across the world.

Presiding over the graduation day, SDM University Vice-Chancellor Niranjan Kumar said that a sense of gratitude is essential for everyone to succeed in life.

“In an era of rapidly changing technology, the value system instilled in our lives by our parents and role models like Dr. Veerendra Heggade, is leading us on the right path,” he said.

While welcoming the gathering, Principal K. Gopinath spoke about the achievements and practice record of the college. He said that the college has sponsored projects worth Rs 5 crore.

College top scorer Pooja Nadiger from the Department of Information Science and Engineering with a CGPA of 9.94 was awarded the Padma Vibhushan Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade with gold medal.

In each of the seven engineering departments, as many as three students with the best scores were awarded degrees and medals.

A total of 697 undergraduate and 28 graduate students received their degrees. Three students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering received BE honors certificates, and 29 doctoral students received letters of thanks.

SDME Society Secretary Jeevandhar Kumar, Deans, Faculty members and students were present.