Pic: Jiya Santosh Palrecha, a student of computer science & engineering, received a gold medal at seventh convocation ceremony of KLE Tech University, HubballiHubballi: Magna International’s chief executive officer Seetarama (Swamy) Kotagiri urged graduates to aim higher, reminded them that effort is a great equaliser, and called upon them to live by the principle ‘leave it better than you found it’.He was speaking at the seventh convocation ceremony of KLE Technological University (KLE Tech), Hubballi, on Saturday. Kotagiri inspired the graduating students by sharing his journey from a modest upbringing in Aswaraopeta and Shahabad, small towns, to leading a global organisation. He emphasised the values of integrity, hard work, courage, gratitude, and the importance of daring to dream. He reflected on his student days at the same campus, recalled memorable friendships and formative experiences, narrated his transition from India to the United States with limited means, and explained how these experiences led him to adopt a structured plan for personal, professional, family, and societal goals.Prabhakar Kore, chairman of KLE Society, Belagavi, and chief guest, Seetarama (Swamy) Kotagiri, presented the degrees to the students.A total of 15 gold medals were awarded in undergraduate programmes and 6 in postgraduate programmes, with 9 medals secured by male students and 12 by female students. Additionally, 15 silver medals for undergraduate and 7 for postgraduate programs were conferred, with 9 male and 13 female awardees. Shrivatsa Sudhindra Bhavikatti from the department of civil engineering received two gold medals, including the Dr SS Bhavikatti Gold Medal.A total of 2,466 students from BVB campus Hubballi, Dr MS Sheshgiri Campus Belagavi, and KLE Law Campus Bengaluru were awarded degrees across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes.Pro-chancellor Prof Ashok Shettar and vice-chancellor Prof Prakash Tewari were present.The ceremony concluded with the formal declaration by chancellor Dr Prabhakar Kore, officially bringing the convocation proceedings to a close. The event was attended by participants, including deans, faculty members, and parents.
