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Updated - August 23, 2026 03:53 pm IST - VELLORE

Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, with G. Viswanathan, Chancellor, VIT, at the 41st annual convocation of VIT in Vellore on August 22, 2026 | Photo Credit: C. Venkatachalapathy

Delhi Chief Minister and BJP leader Rekha Gupta said on Saturday (August 22, 2026) that young engineering graduates should convert India into a hub of Artificial Intelligence (AI) creators rather than a mere large consumer market of digital technology. 

In the inaugural address at 41st annual convocation of VIT in Vellore, Ms. Gupta said that the idea to convert the country into a hub for AI technologies has been outlined in the “India AI Mission” where substantial investments have been made by Centre in the field of semiconductors, computing infrastructure, defence, space, drones, robotics and biotechnology to tap AI technology. “Young engineering graduates should use their knowledge acquired during classroom learning for wider public good in terms of solving pressing problems in the society. For example, the Delhi government has partnered with IIT Delhi to address key challenges like pollution, traffic congestion and waste management in the national capital,” she said. 

The Chief Minister noted that the aim was for India to move beyond consuming AI technology to producing it — a shift she called one of the greatest contributions engineering graduates could make to their State and country. “Engineering graduates should not restrict themselves to sharpening their skills but they should also develop empathy towards fellow citizens once they step out for work. They should develop strong character in understanding reasons for failures and work to address them. India’s vision of make, invest, design and brand in India could be taken forward only by young engineering minds,” she reasoned. 

In his presidential address. G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor, VIT, said that at present, the country’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education stands around 30 percent as against other Asian countries like South Korea (90%), Japan and China (60%) each, Thailand (45%) and Malaysia (40%). It was in this context, the New Educational Policy 2020 has aimed to increase GER to 50% in the coming years,” he said.

Sekar Viswanathan (left), Vice President of VIT with Rekha Gupta (right), Chief Minister of Delhi at the 41st annual convocation of VIT in Vellore on August 22, 2026 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

At the two-day convocation, 11,276 undergraduate and postgraduate, 785 research graduates, 248 Ph.D. Rank Holder and 84 gold medallists will be honoured.

Earlier, as part of the event, Ms. Gupta inaugurated the Centre for Advanced Research in Bacteriophage and Infections Diseases (CARBID) in the campus. The centre is jointly sponsored by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and VIT, Vellore.

On the occasion,  Babu Unnikrishnan, vice president, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Sankar Viswanathan and Sekar Viswanathan, G.V. Selvam, vice presidents, VIT, Sandhya Pentareddy, executive director, VIT, deans, professors, parents and students were present.

Published - August 22, 2026 09:38 pm IST

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