Sonowal Confers Degrees on 1100 Students of AMET University, Urges Them to Uphold Ethics

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

AMET University, Chennai, a leading institution in maritime and allied higher education, successfully conducted its 15th Convocation Ceremony on 8 January 2026, at the Anna Centenary Library Auditorium, Kotturpuram, Chennai.

During the Convocation, degrees were conferred upon over 1,100 undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with 26 doctoral scholars, reflecting the University’s sustained academic growth and strong commitment to excellence.

The Convocation Ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Col. Dr. G. Thiruvasaagam, Provost, AMET University, who extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, dignitaries, graduating students, parents, and industry representatives.

This was followed by the presentation of the Annual Report by Prof. Dr. V. Rajendran, Vice-Chancellor, AMET University, highlighting the University’s academic achievements, research progress, industry collaborations, and institutional growth over the past academic year.

The ceremony was presided over by Dr. J. Ramachandran, Chancellor, AMET University. The Convocation was graced by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, as the Chief Guest,

Besides delivering an insightful Convocation Address that revolved around urging the students to keep the Nation’s pride up and above all in whatever field they join, he awarded degrees to the graduating students.

Shivas Kapoor, Chairman, International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), United Kingdom, and General Manager – Head of Crewing, Hafnia, Singapore, participated as the Guest of Honour and delivered the Guest of Honour Address. The Felicitation Address was delivered by Dr. Rajesh Ramachandren, President, AMET University.

In his Convocation Address, the Chief Guest emphasized the strategic importance of the maritime sector, the need for skilled and future-ready professionals, and the critical role of higher education institutions in national development and global maritime leadership.

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways emphasized India’s emergence as a global maritime power under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, driven by initiatives such as Viksit Bharat, NEP 2020, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

He commended AMET University’s industry-integrated education model, including its globally acclaimed Maersk Centre of Excellence, placement-linked admissions, and significant contribution to India’s maritime human resource leadership. Highlighting transformational reforms in ports, shipping, shipbuilding, green maritime technologies, and seafarer welfare initiatives like Sagar Mein Yog, he urged graduates to view themselves as nation builders contributing to India’s trade, energy security, sustainability, and global standing in the maritime domain.

In his Guest of Honour Address, Captain Shivas Kapoor highlighted AMET University’s global reputation for excellence in maritime education, grounded in discipline, values, and professionalism, and drew from his own journey from cadet to industry leader to inspire graduates to remain curious, humble, and committed. He noted that the maritime industry is undergoing rapid transformation through decarbonisation, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, while emphasizing that human judgment, leadership, and an uncompromising focus on safety will always remain central to maritime operations. He concluded by urging graduates to pursue lifelong learning, led by example, respect fellow seafarers, and represent their university and nation with pride.

In the Felicitation Address, the President Dr. Rajesh Ramachandren reaffirmed AMET University’s focus on academic quality, innovation, sustainability, and industry-aligned education, urging graduates to pursue lifelong learning and responsible leadership.

The ceremony also recognized medal winners for their exceptional academic performance. More than 1400 students, parents, special invitees, members of the Executive Council, Academic Council, Finance Committee, and industry delegates attended the 15th Convocation.

The Convocation marked a significant milestone in AMET University’s mission to nurture competent professionals who contribute meaningfully to the maritime industry and society at large.