Mangaluru: NITK, Surathkal, held its Ring Presentation Ceremony at the campus on Saturday. The 2020 and 2021 graduates, who graduated during the Covid-19 pandemic, received their rings both in person and through home delivery.In total, 1,731 students were honoured, including 881 from the 2020 batch (555 BTech, 247 MTech, 10 MBA, 10 MCA, 23 MSc, and 36 PhD) and 850 from the 2021 batch (475 BTech, 253 MTech, 17 MBA, 57 MCA, 12 MSc, and 36 PhD). Each student received a silver ring engraved with the NITK emblem and their year of graduation, symbolising their enduring connection to the institute.The tradition, initiated over 50 years ago by Prof AS Adke, is unique in India. The silver ring not only connects graduates to their alma mater but also unites NITKians worldwide. Faculty members personally presented each student with the ring while wishing them success in their future endeavours.The event was graced by NITK alumnus Madhusudhan Ekambaram (2004 batch, IT department), CEO & co-founder of KreditBee, as chief guest, and Niranjan Mahabalappa, president of the NITK Alumni Association, as guest of honour. The ceremony was presided over by Prof B Ravi, director of NITK, and witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Prof Govinda Raj Mandela, dean of students welfare; Prof Prasanna Belur D, dean of alumni and corporate relations, along with other functionaries, faculty, staff, and students of NITK Surathkal.In his address, Ekambaram recalled being rejected 40 times while seeking funding, yet his determination led to success in the 41st attempt. Without prior experience in finance, he ventured into fintech, driven by self-conviction. He emphasised that strong belief in one’s vision matters more than external doubts, and that preparedness behind the scenes is what manifests as luck and success.
