Key Takeaways
- NIFTEM-K celebrated its 6th Convocation and 13th Foundation Day, awarding degrees to 262 students.
- Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of innovation and technology in addressing global food challenges.
- The Institute aims to become a global reference point in Food Science while nurturing future leaders in the food processing sector.
Celebrating Academic Excellence and Innovation
NIFTEM-K, an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, recently marked its 6th Convocation Ceremony alongside its 13th Foundation Day. The event featured Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, as Chief Guest, alongside esteemed guests including Shri Devesh Deval, Joint Secretary, MoFPI, and Shri Shyam Sunder Agarwal, Managing Director of Bikanervala.
During the ceremony, degrees were conferred to a total of 262 students, comprising 126 B.Tech, 92 M.Tech, 27 MBA, and 17 Ph.D. recipients, with seven students receiving gold medals for academic excellence. In his address, Prof. Sood praised NIFTEM-K’s role in enhancing the food processing sector and emphasized the necessity of integrating science and compassion to create affordable, nutritious food solutions. He encouraged the institution to take a leading role in innovating within the food sector through cutting-edge research.
Shri Devesh Deval congratulated the graduates, underscoring the significance of this milestone in their lives and promoting government initiatives like the PMFME Scheme to help students become job creators.
Professor V. Ramgopal Rao, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, voiced his aspiration for NIFTEM-K to achieve the status of the “IIT of Food Technology” and to excel in both education and research. He highlighted the institute’s foundational vision of connecting science with agriculture and industry.
Shri Agarwal inspired attendees to think globally, promoting a “Local for Global” philosophy to elevate Indian food on the world stage. In his annual report, Dr. H.S. Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K, outlined significant achievements such as 17 patents filed, 1 granted, and collaboration with numerous industries, alongside support for startups gaining recognition.
The celebrations culminated with Dr. V.K. Paul from NITI Aayog encouraging the use of scientific innovation in creating dynamic educational environments. He stressed the value of students and the role of educators as role models.
Guests, including Dr. Aswani Pareek, Executive Director of NABI, and Shri Aditya Bagri, Director of Bagrry’s, commended NIFTEM-K for its exceptional journey in fostering research and entrepreneurship. They highlighted the importance of learning through failure in innovation.
The evening concluded with student performances that showcased creativity and energy, further reflecting NIFTEM-K’s commitment to driving India’s food processing evolution and empowering future leaders in this vital sector.
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