Anurag University Confers Degrees on 2,789 Graduates, Honours Padma Shri Mallesham at Annual Convocation

Hyderabad: Anurag University celebrated its 3rd Annual Convocation on Saturday, conferring degrees on 2,789 graduates across engineering, pharmacy, management, sciences and agriculture, while reiterating its commitment to producing industry-ready professionals equipped for the rapidly evolving era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The convocation ceremony brought together graduating students, parents, faculty members and eminent leaders from academia and industry to mark a significant milestone in the academic journey of the Class of 2026.

Among the graduating cohort, 2,193 students received Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees, while 44 scholars were awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The university also conferred degrees in Master of Business Administration (155), Master of Computer Applications (90), Bachelor of Pharmacy (88), Bachelor of Business Administration (74), besides postgraduate and doctoral programmes in pharmacy, technology, agriculture and management.

Padma Shri Mallesham Honoured

A highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate on Padma Shri Chintakindi Mallesham, the celebrated grassroots innovator whose low-cost weaving innovation revolutionised the handloom sector by significantly reducing the drudgery of traditional weaving.

The university recognised Mallesham’s contribution as a powerful example of innovation driven by empathy, perseverance and a commitment to improving lives, describing his journey as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs.

AI Skills Will Define Future Careers

Addressing the graduating students, Dr Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, Chairman of Anurag University and MLA from Jangaon Assembly Constituency, urged graduates to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a transformative tool rather than view it as a threat.

“AI will not take away jobs. Those who know how to use AI effectively will lead the future,” he said.

Highlighting the university’s early adoption of emerging technologies, Dr Reddy noted that Anurag University was the first institution in Telangana to introduce a B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence eight years ago. He said the university continues to integrate AI across its curriculum, faculty development and campus ecosystem to prepare students for future industry requirements.

Congratulating faculty members for successfully implementing Outcome-Based Education and thanking parents for their continued trust, he encouraged graduates to remain rooted in values while pursuing excellence.

“Build for the nation, stay rooted and hungry, and define success widely,” he told the graduating class, adding that excellence should become a lifelong habit.

Engineering Mindset More Relevant Than Ever

Delivering the Convocation Address, Goutham Reddy, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Executive Director of Re Sustainability Ltd., stressed that while Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, the core engineering mindset remains irreplaceable.

He encouraged students to view AI as an enabler rather than a competitor and urged them to develop strong foundations in first-principles thinking, curiosity and continuous learning.

According to him, graduates who combine technical competence with problem-solving abilities and adaptability will remain relevant throughout their careers.

Chancellor Calls for Responsible Innovation

Anurag University Chancellor Dr UB Desai congratulated the graduating students and their families, stating that the university’s mission extends beyond imparting technical education to nurturing socially responsible professionals.

He emphasised that engineering is ultimately about solving meaningful problems and called upon graduates to carry forward the values of integrity, innovation and public service in their professional journeys.

Strong Industry Participation

The convocation also reflected the university’s close engagement with industry through the presence of several distinguished Guests of Honour representing leading organisations across technology, manufacturing and consulting.

Senior executives from Mahindra & Mahindra, Dhruva Space, Qualcomm, Cellerite Systems, Aarvee, Deloitte, PwC, PepsiCo, LTIMindtree, Siemens and Karvy Fintech attended the ceremony, underscoring Anurag University’s emphasis on strengthening academia-industry collaboration and enhancing graduate employability.

Preparing Graduates for Tomorrow’s Economy

With Artificial Intelligence, digital technologies and sustainability reshaping global industries, the university highlighted its focus on aligning academic programmes with emerging workforce requirements. The participation of leading industry representatives reinforced the growing importance of industry partnerships in curriculum development, internships, innovation and placements.

The ceremony concluded with the presence of the university’s Deans, Heads of Departments, Directors, Controller of Examinations, faculty members and administrative staff, who congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to remain lifelong learners committed to nation-building and societal progress.

As the Class of 2026 embarks on the next phase of its professional journey, the convocation reflected Anurag University’s vision of producing graduates who combine technical excellence with innovation, ethical leadership and a readiness to thrive in an AI-driven world.