POSTED BY: MRUNALI SAKPAL, SEPTEMBER 31 , 2025
Mumbai,: As India cements its position as the fastest-growing economy among G20 nations, industry and academic leaders urged graduates to combine technical expertise with resilience and long-term thinking. “Among the G20 countries, India is the fastest growing economy in the world, and right now, 140 crore people are a fast-growing middle class,” said Mr Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich Group, at the convocation ceremony of the Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering (MPSTME), SVKM’s NMIMS, Mumbai.
Speaking to the graduating students, Eckholt emphasised the importance of resilience in both personal and professional journeys. “You are the future growth engine of the country, and I would like to congratulate you on this wonderful opportunity which you have. The roads are not always in one direction only. Sometimes it’s bumpy. Sometimes there are stones in your way, which you cannot foresee. Sometimes you have to do a step back in order to be ready to do two steps forward.”
He encouraged students to prioritise growth over immediate gains. “Don’t look also at your CTC only at the beginning. You have to focus first on what your environment is about, the peers around you. First, you have to grow in your role. You have to grow as a person, and you have to find for sure also a good organisation which is opening the doors for you to start your professional career and grow in this organisation.”
Highlighting the strong academic and technical foundation that will serve graduates throughout their careers, Dr Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairman, Board of Governors – IIT Bombay & IIT Jammu, said, “As engineers, you have been trained to look at the work and ask how this can be made or done better; this is your most important and powerful tool. You have learned not just the formulas and theories, but how to think critically, how to work in teams, how to fail, and most importantly how to rise after failure.”
He further stressed that technology is a key driver of innovation, not a distant concept. “Artificial intelligence, green energy, quantum computing, biotechnology, space exploration, and nanotechnology are no longer futuristic concepts or mere jargon. They are today’s realities. But do not let that overwhelm you, let it excite you.”
Adding a practical framework for career success, Mr Mukesh Jain, CTO and Executive Vice President, Capgemini, shared his formula for success, the ‘Four A’s’: “Ambition – think big; Attitude – stay curious and fearless; Adaptability – embrace change without losing values; and Action – turn knowledge into results. These Four A’s will help you navigate life and build a meaningful career. Always aim high, maintain the right attitude, adapt to your environment, and always take action.”
Speaking to Dr Koteswararao Anne, Dean, MPSTME, he reminded students of the importance of giving back: “Small actions, like saving energy or optimising your work, matter. Share your knowledge, mentor others, and contribute wherever you can.”
Mr. Rajendran Dandapani, Business Solutions Evangelist at Zoho Corporation & President of Zoho School of Learning, observed that this batch carried not just joy or apprehension, but something far greater, a sense of achievement and readiness. Reflecting on their mindset, he said, “I know challenges lie ahead. I may not be fully prepared, but I am ready to face and conquer them.”
The convocation celebrated academic excellence, urging graduates to blend technical expertise, resilience, and innovation to drive India’s growth. Dignitaries also lauded NMIMS for its programmes, built on solid business and technical fundamentals through applied, experiential learning.
About NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering (MPSTME)
NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering (MPSTME), Mumbai, addresses the evolving demands of technology and management education by fostering an innovative and integrated learning environment. The school combines advanced technology education with sound management principles to meet the dynamic needs of industry and society.
Guided by a vision to develop engineers with strong technical expertise and the capability to create impactful technological solutions, MPSTME offers a diverse portfolio of contemporary engineering programmes. Its state-of-the-art laboratories, world-class infrastructure, and industry-aligned curriculum exemplify the school’s commitment to innovation, research excellence, and holistic student development.
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