The ceremony was graced by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, as Chief Guest. Guests of Honour included Shri Devesh Deval, Joint Secretary, MoFPI, and Shri Shyam Sunder Agarwal, Managing Director of Bikanervala. Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Chairperson, Board of Governors, presided over the function.
A total of 262 students were awarded degrees: 126 B.Tech, 92 M.Tech, 27 MBA, and 17 Ph.D. Seven meritorious students received gold medals for exceptional academic achievements.
Inspiring Speeches and Guidance
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood emphasised that even in the era of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, food remains the most fundamental human need. He urged graduates to innovate and create nutritious, affordable food solutions to address the global challenge of 2.6 billion people lacking access to a healthy diet.
Shri Devesh Deval encouraged graduates to leverage initiatives like the PMFME Scheme to become job creators in the food sector. Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao highlighted NIFTEM-K’s journey to become the “IIT of Food Technology” and stressed the importance of integrating management excellence to attain the “IIM of Management” status. Shri Shyam Sunder Agarwal inspired students to adopt a “Local for Global” approach, taking Indian food products to international markets.
Institutional Achievements
Dr. H.S. Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K, presented the institute’s annual report: 17 patents filed (1 granted), 18 technologies transferred, 16 new technologies developed, 115 research papers published, 15 MoUs signed with industries and government agencies, and support extended to 15 startups, including Repeat Good Pvt. Ltd. and The Naturik Company, recognized nationally on Shark Tank India. Additionally, 23 new projects were initiated, and FPOs were established in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.
13th Foundation Day Celebrations
The Foundation Day event featured Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, as Chief Guest, who emphasized the importance of science and innovation in shaping laboratories that “never sleep.” He highlighted how impactful scientific research can transform society, citing AIIMS’s salt iodization initiative. Dr. Paul praised students as the true assets of the institute and faculty as role models, noting that NIFTEM-K has emerged as a brand in a short span.
Guests of Honour, including Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao and Dr. Aswani Pareek, Executive Director, NABI, Mohali, lauded NIFTEM-K’s commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Shri Aditya Bagri, Director, Bagrry’s, encouraged students to embrace learning from failures while building successful ventures.
Cultural Performances and Closing
The celebrations concluded with vibrant performances by students, showcasing music, dance, and other cultural expressions, reflecting the institute’s dynamic and innovative spirit.
Together, the twin celebrations underscored NIFTEM-K’s mission to nurture the next generation of leaders in India’s food processing sector, combining education, research, and entrepreneurship to drive innovation and national growth.