Shri Manoj Jain is the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking. Prior to this, he served as Director (R&D) from September 26, 2022, and was given additional charge as Director (Bangalore Complex) on August 1, 2023. From November 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, he also held additional responsibility as Director (HR). Before his elevation to Director (R&D), he served as the General Manager of the Electronic Warfare & Avionics Strategic Business Unit at BEL's Bangalore Complex
Shri Jain joined BEL in August 1991 as a Probationary Engineer after earning a gold medal in BE (Electronics) from REC Jaipur (now MNIT Jaipur). Over his distinguished career spanning more than three decades, he has made significant contributions to the field of Research & Development. During his early years in the Design & Engineering department at BEL's Kotdwara Unit, he played a crucial role in developing Digital Multiplexers, Cross Connects, CDOT Exchanges, and Military Switches.
In 1999, Shri Jain moved to BEL’s Central Research Laboratory (CRL) in Bangalore, where he focused on the development of Defence Networks and Network & Bulk Security Solutions. In the radar domain—one of BEL's core areas—he was instrumental in the development of VeXT, Scan Converters, and FPGA-based Display solutions.
From December 2017 to May 2019, Shri Jain served as Chief Scientist at CRL-Bangalore, leading technological developments across multiple domains. He then became General Manager of BEL’s Product Development & Innovation Centre (PD&IC) in June 2019, where he spearheaded the development of numerous new products and subsystems, driving innovation and self-reliance for BEL. In June 2021, Shri Jain took over as General Manager and Head of the Electronic Warfare & Avionics SBU at BEL-Bangalore, where he led business operations and provided strategic guidance for this important business vertical.
Shri Manoj Jain has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including R&D Awards, Key Contributor Awards, the Raksha Mantri's Award, and SODET Awards. He has published several technical papers, owned multiple patents, and has delivered lectures to Defence users and DRDOs.

“Message for 12th Convocation of IIT Mandi”

Dear Graduates, Faculty Members, and Distinguished Guests,
It is with immense pleasure and honour that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on the 12th Convocation of IIT Mandi. Being a part of this momentous occasion as the Guest of Honor fills me with great pride and joy.
Today, we celebrate the culmination of years of rigorous academic pursuit and the beginning of new and exciting journey for the graduating class. Each of you has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, perseverance, and intellect. I am certain, and these qualities will undoubtedly pave the way for your future successes.
As we acknowledge your achievements, let us also recognize the collective effort of the faculty members, staff, and families, who have supported and guided you throughout your academic endeavours. Their commitment and encouragement have also played a pivotal role in shaping your educational experience.
As you step into this new chapter of your life, remember that the path ahead will be filled with challenges and opportunities. The world is evolving rapidly, so is the technology landscape. Engineers, Scientists, Technologists are some of the key stakeholders of this evolution. So, embrace the opportunities that come your way, and continue to pursue excellence with the same passion and curiosity that brought you to this point.
Continue to chase your dreams as your aspirations will propel you to greater achievements and bring purpose to your life. I am confident that your education and training at IIT Mandi have equipped you with the skills, knowledge, and values to excel in your chosen fields. Core values of IIT Mandi: Innovation, Integrity, and Inclusivity shall continue to be your Compass to navigate the complexities of professional world.
Your success will not only be measured by personal accomplishments but also by your impact on society and your contributions to the community. Strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Your actions shall be aimed towards greater good to uplift society, reduce inequality, and empower those less fortunate. Remember that the noble values of care and compassion, service, and sacrifice, have safeguarded our society from the threat of extinction and kept it vibrant throughout history.
As you pursue your passions and embark on your professional paths, I encourage you to remain curious, open-minded, and courageous. The world needs visionaries who can think creatively and push the boundaries of what is possible. Alongside your highly demanding professional endeavours, devote good time on yourself as well to develop healthy life style. Going forward, your overall growth in both personal & professional life will depend on your ability to manage Stress, failures, change and work life balance.
To the faculty and staff of IIT Mandi, I extend my most profound appreciation for your unwavering dedication towards shaping the future of these talented individuals. Your commitment to teaching, research, and mentorship has been crucial in preparing graduates, to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century.
In the end, I once again reiterate that, it is an honour to be part of this celebration. I am certain, the graduates of IIT Mandi will make a significant impact in their respective fields. I wish you all the very best as you embark on this new journey, and I look forward to witnessing the remarkable contributions you will make. In all that lies ahead, may God grant you wisdom, success, and a true sense of fulfilment in achieving your cherished ideals and goals.
Congratulations once again, and best wishes for your future endeavours.
Jai Hind

“Message for 12th Convocation of IIT Mandi”

Dear Graduates, Distinguished Guests, IIT Mandi Fraternity, Ladies and Gentlemen,
With immense joy and pride, I convey my heartfelt congratulations to you all on the auspicious occasion of 12th Convocation at IIT Mandi. I am honoured to be a Guest of Honor of the ceremony of the eminent institute, where approx. 636 students are getting awarded in various degree programs.
I congratulate all the students for their success and wish them a Healthy Happy and Meaningful life. From my interactions with faculty and students of IIT Mandi I have learnt that there is great emphasis and facilitation for all round development of students. They must continue their activities in sports, cultural domain, travelling to new places, maintaining good relationships, being sincere towards their profession, and finding happiness by drawing satisfaction and bliss.
I must also appreciate the efforts of Lt. General K J S Dhillon (Retd), Chairman Board of Governors, Prof Laxmidhar Behera, Director, all the faculty and staff for bringing IIT Mandi to such a high standard of education and all-round developments. With its unique advantage of having the combination of Technology departments, Management school, Indian Knowledge system and Surrounding hills, I am sure IIT Mandi will become the leading center of the world in areas like Technology Leadership Programs, Innovative design concepts, Spirituality backed technology development, Value based engineering and so on.
I call upon faculty to think big and lead the world, students to scale heights and be known for their capability and management to empower and motivate the IIT Mandi community for achieving what has never been achieved before in the history of mankind.
Congratulations once again, and best wishes for your future endeavours.
Jai Hind

“Message for 12th Convocation of IIT Mandi”

Honorable Chairman and Board of Governors Director, Respected Faculty, Esteemed Guests, and Dear Graduating Students,
It is a great honor to stand before you today at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi. First, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2024 for reaching this significant milestone. You are not only graduates but also future leaders, innovators, and problem solvers. As you embark on this next chapter, today, I want to share with you a different vision - one where you channel your energy and expertise into building startups that address real challenges in India’s villages and towns, sparking a new paradigm shift that will transform our country and inspire the world.
India is home to over 1.4 billion people, and nearly 65% reside in rural areas. These areas are rich in tradition, culture, and resilience but continue to face socio-economic challenges—lack of healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, water scarcity, agricultural inefficiencies, and educational gaps. However, hidden within these challenges is immense potential for innovation.
As graduates from one of the nation’s top institutions, you are equipped with the tools and knowledge to address these challenges. By focusing on startups that tackle these issues, you can play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life in rural India while simultaneously driving the nation’s economic growth.
Rather than waiting for opportunities in large multinational corporations, I urge you to create opportunities in the villages and towns that form the backbone of our nation. Think of rural India not as separate, distant pockets but as extensions of our cities, brimming with potential that needs to be unlocked through innovation. Your generation has the chance to drive this transformation and build rural areas into thriving, self-sustaining extensions of our urban centers.

Why Start a Startup in Rural India?

1. Address Real Needs:

   The needs in rural India are urgent. Whether it’s improving healthcare access, implementing sustainable agriculture, or enhancing digital infrastructure, your startups can solve specific local problems that have widespread impact.

2. Leverage Technology for Growth:

   Your education at IIT Mandi has prepared you to harness cutting-edge technologies—be it AI, IoT, blockchain, or renewable energy. These tools can bridge the development gap between urban and rural India, bringing modernization to underserved areas.

3. Boost India’s Economy:

   Rural India holds massive untapped economic potential. Solving local problems not only improves lives but also boosts productivity, generates employment, and reduces poverty. This, in turn, strengthens India's position on the global stage.

4. Ensure Sustainable Solutions:

   Our villages require solutions not just for today but for the future. Whether it’s sustainable energy, eco-friendly agriculture, or water conservation, your innovations will shape the future of India’s long-term growth.

5. Foster an Entrepreneurial Movement:

   By creating startups with real impact, you’ll inspire others—showing that meaningful entrepreneurship can thrive beyond city limits. You will set an example for young Indians across the nation to innovate, create, and build.

Think about the potential of integrating advanced technologies into village ecosystems. Imagine using IoT to create smart irrigation systems that conserve water, AI to optimize healthcare delivery in remote areas, or mobile platforms to improve education accessibility. Your startups can be the transformative forces that lift entire communities out of systemic challenges.
Take, for example, NextDrop, a startup that uses mobile technology to inform residents in Karnataka when clean water will be available. Or DeHaat, which connects farmers in Punjab to agricultural resources and services. Then there’s SELCO, which provides solar energy solutions to underserved rural populations, and Forus Health, which develops affordable eye-care devices to prevent blindness in remote areas.
These startups, born out of a desire to solve local problems, have grown into scalable businesses with national and global impact. They serve as powerful reminders that meaningful innovation often starts in the most unexpected places.
As graduates of IIT Mandi, you are uniquely positioned to lead this movement. You’ve been trained to think critically, to question assumptions, and to innovate. Now it’s time to apply these skills to some of India’s most pressing challenges. Whether it’s healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, or education—there is no shortage of problems waiting for your solutions.
India stands at a pivotal moment. The government’s initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India have created an ecosystem ripe for innovation. The time has never been more ideal for young entrepreneurs to step forward and make meaningful contributions to our nation’s future.

But remember, the true measure of your success is not in the titles you will hold but in the problems you solve. The world is watching, and you have the opportunity to redefine what’s possible.

As you step out into the world, do not just seek opportunities—create them. Look to the villages and towns, for there lies the future of India’s growth and prosperity. Start your journey with a vision that is larger than yourself, and together, let us build a brighter, more inclusive, and more prosperous India.

Thank you, and once again, congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Jai Hind

I am deeply honored and privileged to address you today on this momentous occasion. As we gather here to celebrate your graduation from this esteemed institution, we acknowledge the unwavering determination and sacrifice that you and your parents have endured to reach this juncture. The fire within you, which once burned brightly, has now become a guiding light, and it is your solemn duty to nurture it into a radiant sun. Graduates, you have conquered countless sleepless nights in pursuit of a rigorous and demanding academic program. Yet, it is in the solitude of those darkest hours, away from the public eye, that your true character is revealed. Today, you stand among the ranks of the world's professionals, distinct from academicians, as in your domain, knowledge and skills are not static; they evolve and reshape the future of our world. As engineers, you possess an innate instinct to innovate, create, and transform, often with the simplest of tools. Your keen eyes seek out solutions that elude ordinary perception, and you instinctively track down problems like skilled hunters. Each one of you is endowed with unique talents, and the world looks to you, the graduates of IIT Mandi, to unearth and honor your individuality, thereby becoming the change you aspire to see in our world. We find ourselves living in a critical era, where artificial intelligence threatens to automate creativity and innovation. In this rapidly changing landscape, your very survival may soon be at stake. Remember, rather than futilely opposing the inevitable, adapt to coexist with it, leveraging its strengths while discerning its limitations to contribute meaningfully. In the words of the eminent engineer and visionary, Buckminster Fuller, "You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete." Graduates, you must innovate to forge these new paradigms, countering the challenges posed by those wielding the powerful tools of artificial intelligence. The path ahead will be fraught with both triumphs and tribulations. There will be moments of self-doubt, setbacks, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is in these very moments that you must recollect the sacrifices and the painful nights you endured while preparing for IIT. Within those experiences lies the key to discovering your purpose - a purpose that is uniquely yours, waiting to be unearthed by you and you alone. IIT Mandi has not merely imparted knowledge but has instilled in you a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and an insatiable thirst for continuous learning. Nurture the innocent, passionate soul within you, for it is your passion that will fuel your innovation, and your purpose that will imbue your work with meaning.

Embrace lifelong learning, remain perpetually curious, and never cease to question. Surround yourselves with mentors, colleagues, and friends who both inspire and challenge you. Be leaders who uplift and inspire others, for genuine success is not gauged solely by personal accomplishments but by the profound impact you have on the lives of others. Forge ahead with your authenticity, for it is your unique, invaluable contribution. Congratulations, and may your future endeavors shine as brightly as the boundless promise you carry within yourselves.

“Message for 12th Convocation of IIT Mandi”

Honourable Chief Guest Shri Manoj Jain, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited; esteemed Guests of Honour, Prof. Rajiv Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar; Dr. Narendra Kumar Arya, Director of ER & IPR, DRDO; and Shri Krishna Ika, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Brainwave Science; distinguished members of the Board of Governors, Senators, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi; respected faculty members, staff, students, parents, members of the media, ladies, and gentlemen, a warm welcome to you all on the auspicious occasion of the 12th Convocation Ceremony of IIT Mandi.
First and foremost, my heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates. Your relentless efforts, hard work, and determination have led to today’s celebration. I understand that the journey was not easy for many of you, but you have overcome the hurdles and triumphed over challenges.
The vision of IIT Mandi is "To be a leader in science and technology education, knowledge creation, and innovation." IIT Mandi is committed to ensuring that each of you emerges as a future leader in society and for our country—whether in science and technology or in the realms of entrepreneurship and sustainability. From its inception, IIT Mandi has been dedicated to knowledge creation through collective effort for the benefit of society. Being situated in the Himalayan region, we are also committed to innovating solutions that address the unique challenges of this region, and our country at large.
I would like to extend my congratulations to Prof. Laxmidhar Behera and his entire team—the Deans, School Chairs, Centre Coordinators, faculty, and staff—who have worked tirelessly to fulfil IIT Mandi’s mission and vision of creating "a just, inclusive, and sustainable society."
Today, IIT Mandi asserts a vibrant student community of 3,256 students, along with a faculty strength of over 190, spread across the lush valleys of both the North and South Campuses. Our sprawling 508-acre campus is buzzing with academic and extracurricular activities. The institute is home to several schools and centres, and this year we proudly inaugurated the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (C3DAR), aligning with national priorities on disaster risk management. This centre aims to foster cutting-edge research and develop innovative solutions in climate change adaptation, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.
IIT Mandi has also organized several academic events and skill development programs, an essential initiative for training skilled manpower and driving societal development. Furthermore, the institute has expanded its reach by signing MoUs with various national and international academic institutions and industries.
I would also like to take this moment to congratulate IIT Mandi for winning the inter-IIT cricket tournament. Additionally, a special congratulations to IIT Mandi alumnus, Mr. Nitesh Kumar, a B.Tech. Electrical Engineering graduate from the Class of 2020, who brought glory to India by winning the Gold Medal in Men's Singles Badminton (SL3 Category) at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
Once again, congratulations to all the graduates. We look forward to the remarkable contributions you will make to society and the world.
Jai Hind

“Message for 12th Convocation of IIT Mandi”

Dear Graduating Students, Faculty Members, and Distinguished Guests,
With a great pleasure and honor, I congratulate all the graduating students on the 12th Convocation of IIT Mandi. Being a Chief Guest of the ceremony gives me a moment of great pride and joy.
At the outset, I congratulate the 12th Batch of students passing out from Indian Institute of Technology Mandi. I must say that in short span of time, IIT Mandi has established the niche space for itself in ever evolving Professional Education landscape of India. I am certain that passing out batch will carry forward the legacy of Brand IIT through their knowledge and will contribute significantly towards aspirations of Viksit Bharat and Global Economy.
Alongside, I also congratulate the Board of Governors, faculty members and other support staff of IIT Mandi for giving holistic learning experience to their students. Success of these students in their professional endeavours will continue to reflect the important role being played by IIT Mandi in building Human, Social & Intellectual capital for our Nation.
Once again, my best wishes to the passing out students & IIT Mandi.
Jai Hind

Prof. Rajeev Ahuja is a professor of computational Materials science at Uppsala University, Sweden. Currently, he is serving as the Director of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, India. He was also holding the additional charge of director of IIT Guwahati, India from Nov. 2023 to May 2024. He is one of the most highly cited researchers as well as top 5 materials scientist in Sweden and India. He has done his Ph.D. from I.I.T. Roorkee in India in 1992. Same year he has joined Uppsala University, Sweden as postdoctoral fellow. He became Professor in 2007 at Uppsala University, Sweden. His main area of interest is materials science with focus on energy such Batteries, Hydrogen Storage & production, sensors as well high-pressure physics.
He has published 1150 scientific papers in peer reviewed journals H-Index of 104, i-10 index 806 & no. of citations more than 50000. Prof. Ahuja has supervised 30 PhD students, more than 35 postdocs. He has recently elected as the Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (F-RSC), UK, and as an APS Fellow by the American Physical Society (APS), USA. He serves on the advisory board of the Journal of Materials Chemistry A and Materials Advances from the Royal Society of Chemistry. Additionally, he is the Associate Editor of Nano Energy.
Prof Ahuja has received several prestigious awards, including the Beller Lectureship at the APS March Meeting in 2017, the Wallmark Prize in 2011 from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (KVA), and the Eder Lilly & Sven Thureus Prize, as well as the Benzelius Prize from the Swedish Royal Society of Sciences (KVS). He is an elected member of the Swedish Royal Society of Sciences (KVS). Prof Ahuja has been awarded Best Alumnus award from IIT Roorkee, India for excellence in research for 2021.

Dr Narendra Kumar Arya, is the Director, Extramural Research & Intellectual Property Rights, DRDO, Ministry of Défense. He holds a B.Tech (Hons) from IIT Kharagpur, and M.Tech from IIT Kanpur followed by Ph.D. from IIT Delhi. Dr. Arya began his career with DRDO as a Scientist 'B' in June 1990, at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), in Hyderabad. He later joined Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), Delhi, where he worked in the field of Gas Dynamic Lasers. In July 2008, he was appointed Scientific Adviser to the Chief of the Air Staff. In September 2019, he became Director of Public Interface, at DRDO Headquarters, New Delhi. From February 2022 to December 2023, he served as Secretary of the Aeronautics Research & Development Board.
Dr. Arya has received numerous awards and has published several research papers in both national and international journals. Dr. Arya is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India) and member of various professional societies, including the Aeronautical Society of India, Systems Society of India, Indian Laser Association, and the Society for Aerospace Quality and Reliability. During his M.Tech, he was awarded the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) Senior Fellowship for his work on composite materials and also qualified as a solo glider pilot at IIT Kanpur. Additionally, he is a certified Heartfulness meditation trainer and the author of the book "Happy Forever: The Art and Science of Everlasting Happiness. Most recently, Dr. Arya co-founded RxAdvance, an innovative pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company, nirvanaHealth, a full-service health insurance product company and eternalHealth an innovative Medicare Advantage Health Plan.

Shri Krishna Ika is a President and CEO of Brainwave Science, Inc. based in Southborough, Massachusetts, United States. Mr Ika has Bachelor of Engineering (BE), Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering from University of Mysore. He is a successful entrepreneur and innovator, who has founded and managed a diverse range of companies across industries. As the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at Brainwave Science, Mr. Ika has leveraged his extensive experience, spanning over two decades, in healthcare, information technology, and software consulting. In 2002, he founded Government Works, Inc., a company specializing in the federal space with a primary focus on healthcare. Government Works has become a leading provider of healthcare management solutions and services, working with federal and state clients across the United States. Over the years, the company has served various U.S. government departments, including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and the Department of Health and Human Services. In late 2019, Government Works’ healthcare assets were acquired by Blue Cross Blue Shield, one of the largest health insurance groups. Before founding Government Works, Mr. Ika co-founded ikaSystems, an enterprise managed care platform company that raised over $140 million in private equity funding and was later acquired by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Envitec Corp., which was recognized as the 34th fastest-growing commercial consulting corporation in the New England area. Most recently, he co-founded RxAdvance, an innovative pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company, and nirvanaHealth, a full-service health insurance product company.

Anirban Bandyopadhyay is a Principal Research Scientist at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba, Japan. He did Ph.D. in IACS, Kolkata, 2005. During 2005-2008 ICYS research fellow at ICYS, NIMS, Japan. In 2008, joined as a scientist at NIMS, built organic jelly based artificial brain, quantum computer, molecular motor based drugs, brain inspired computing, written a book “Nanobrain: The making of an artificial brain from a time crystal”, 2020. 2013-2014 visiting scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. Hitachi Science and Technology award 2010, Inamori Foundation award 2011–2012, Kurata Foundation Award, and Sewa Society international member, Japan. Published more than 100 papers, 23 patents, edited 17 books, reach out anirban.bandyo@gmail.com Blog www.nanobraintech.com T: @anirbanbandyo; P-+81-80-9454-3366

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