Governor Jishnu Dev Varma underscores role of BITSians in India’s tech-driven growth

BITS Pilani’s flagship global alumni meet opens in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, January 9: The sixth edition of the BITSAA Global Meet 2026 (BGM26), the flagship triennial global alumni conclave of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani), was inaugurated at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad campus, with Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma highlighting the pivotal role played by BITS alumni in shaping India’s technology-led growth.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said institutions such as BITS Pilani have been central to establishing India’s global reputation as a technology hub. He pointed to the institute’s strong innovation and incubation ecosystem—encompassing startups, student-led initiatives and industry partnerships—as an example of how higher education institutions can align academic excellence with national priorities and global technological trends.

Dana Kishore, Principal Secretary to the Governor (FAC) and Principal Secretary, Labour, Employment, Training and Factories Department, emphasised the importance of quality education and technology-driven learning. He noted that institutions like BITS are emerging as national partners in workforce development, digital transformation and lifelong learning.

In his opening remarks, V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor of BITS, spoke about the institute’s globally competitive and future-ready education model supported by its multi-campus presence across Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Dubai, with an upcoming campus in Amaravati. He highlighted the diversity of academic programmes offered across campuses to meet evolving industry needs.

Veteran venture capitalist and angel investor Kanwal Rekhi underlined the importance of risk-taking, innovation and the responsibility of alumni to “pay it forward” by mentoring and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and builders.

The first day of the meet featured a strong focus on the startup ecosystem through the ‘Pilani Sharks’ initiative, where early-stage alumni-led ventures pitched their business ideas to a panel of seasoned investors. Technical workshops on ‘Agentic AI’ and ‘Digital Wellness’ were also held, exploring emerging technologies with an emphasis on human-centric design.

Anita Sakuru, Chairperson of BGM 2026, said the global meet acts as a catalyst for multi-generational collaboration among alumni, students and faculty. The day concluded with a cultural programme, including a traditional qawwali performance, celebrating the institute’s heritage and alumni camaraderie.