Bengaluru : Emphasising the role of education in shaping responsible leaders and addressing the challenges of tomorrow, Chanakya University hosted its Third Convocation, Deekshantha Samarambha 2026, on Thursday at its Global Campus near Bengaluru.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, MD, FRS, former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO) and former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address.
A total of 371 students from the University’s six Schools of Academic Excellence graduated, while 19 students received Academic Excellence Medals and Awards in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.
In her address, titled “Rooted in Wisdom, Guided by Science, Committed to Humanity”, Dr. Swaminathan emphasised that a university degree represents not just an academic qualification but also a responsibility to society. Drawing upon India’s rich intellectual heritage, she called for a dynamic engagement with traditional knowledge and its integration with contemporary science and innovation to address emerging global challenges.
Highlighting the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, public health, food and nutrition insecurity and technological disruption, she stressed the importance of interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, technology and public policy.
Introducing the concept of Biohappiness, Dr. Swaminathan called for a broader understanding of prosperity that recognises the relationship between biodiversity, environmental well-being and quality of life. She also highlighted the significance of the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and ecosystems.
Addressing the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence, she urged graduates to approach technological progress with ethical responsibility, ensuring that innovation remains inclusive and accountable. She emphasised that technology must expand human capabilities and improve well-being rather than replace human judgment.
Sharing three important messages with the graduating students, she urged them to cultivate intellectual curiosity, combine ambition with empathy, and translate knowledge into meaningful action. Referring to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, she encouraged the graduates to take responsibility for shaping a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future.
The convocation was attended by the University’s distinguished leadership and eminent members of its Board of Governors, including:
• Dr. S. Somanath, Chancellor, Chanakya University and former Chairman, ISRO
• Sri M.P. Kumar, Pro-Chancellor
• Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Vice-Chancellor
• Sri T.V. Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Aarin Capital Partners
• Prof. M.K. Sridhar, President, CESS
• Prof. B. Mahadevan, Former Professor, IIM Bangalore
• Prof. Nandini N., Former Professor, Bangalore University
• Sri Nagaraj Reddy, Secretary, CESS
• Prof. H.S. Subramanya, Pro-Vice Chancellor
• Prof. Sushant T. Joshi, Registrar
• Prof. Bhavani M.R., Registrar Evaluation
Deekshantha Samarambha 2026 marks another important milestone in Chanakya University’s academic journey, celebrating the achievements of its graduating students and reaffirming its commitment to an education that integrates knowledge, values, scientific inquiry and social responsibility.
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