ISRO Chief & DRDO Leader Join Odisha Governor to Award Degrees to Graduates at Centurion University’s 13th Convocation
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Dec 11: In a powerful celebration of skill-driven education and national progress, Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), India’s first fully functional Skill University, conferred degrees on 3,059 graduates, including 39 PhD scholars, at its grand 13th Convocation. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha and Visitor Centurion University, together with Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO, and Dr. B. K. Das, Director General (ECS), DRDO.
Among the 3,059 awardees were students from the 2025 batch and 183 from previous years, further strengthening the university’s reputation for producing industry-ready professionals through its distinctive skill-integrated learning model.
Outstanding performers were felicitated with top honours. Onyinye Francisca Ajaka received the Visitor’s Gold Medal for excellence in B. Tech Mechanical Engineering (Marine), Sangita Ghosh was awarded the Dhiren Patnaik Memorial Gold Medal as Best Female Graduate in Master of Pharmacy, Saket Raj earned the Peter Renwick Memorial Gold Medal for all-round excellence in Management, and Arpita Mohapatra received the Debendra Pradhan Memorial Gold Medal as Best Graduate in Allied Healthcare Sciences. Seventeen students were conferred University Gold Medals and 33 received Merit Awards.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati lauded Centurion’s unique hands-on learning model and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders in shaping India’s technological and social landscape. I urge you to remain steadfast in your pursuit of knowledge and use it to drive inclusive growth,” mentioned Dr Kambhampati.
Vice-Chancellor Dr (Prof) Supriya Pattanayak highlighted the university’s commitment to sustainable development and empowerment of underserved communities through innovative, skill-based education. “Centurion University stands as a beacon of inclusion and excellence, dedicated to building a just and equitable society through education,” she remarked.
Dr. V. Narayanan praised the alignment of Centurion’s approach with national priorities in science, technology, and self-reliance. “Centurion University’s emphasis on hands-on learning and innovation aligns closely with India’s vision for a progressive and technologically empowered future. I am confident that the graduates passing out today will contribute meaningfully across diverse fields,” he added.
Dr. B. K. Das called upon the young graduates to advance with ambition rooted in values and ethics. “India is growing stronger each day, a great nation advancing in innovation, development, and global influence. Graduates, move ahead with ambition, but keep your values, ethics, and roots close. The world is waiting for you to step up, to roar with confidence, and to transform lives through your work.” He noted.
The event was graced by Professor Mukti Kanta Mishra, President; Professor D. N. Rao, Vice-President; Professor Anita Patra, Registrar; Dr. Biswajit Mishra, Pro-Vice Chancellor; faculty members, proud parents, and distinguished guests.
In 2025, Centurion University has been recognised with the Prakriti Mitra Puraskar by the Government of Odisha, a ‘Highly Commendable’ certificate in the Nature Positive category at the Green Gown Awards International, and strong rankings in Times Higher Education Impact, Interdisciplinary Science, and World University Rankings. It also secured top positions in the Outlook-ICARE Rankings, including 1st among Skill Universities in India.
Reaffirming its vision, Centurion University continues to shape future-ready professionals equipped with skills, values, and the drive to create lasting societal impact.
