PM Modi Addresses IIT Delhi Graduates
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 57th Convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) on August 8, 2026, where he encouraged graduating students to remain curious, continue learning and contribute to India’s technological development.
More than 3,000 students, including 587 PhD scholars, received their degrees during the convocation. The Prime Minister also presented the institute’s highest honours to meritorious students.
Focus on Lifelong Learning and Curiosity
In his address, PM Modi emphasised that graduation should not mark the end of learning. He urged students to question established ideas, explore new possibilities and develop the confidence to find solutions to complex problems.
He also highlighted the rapidly changing technological environment, saying that advances in technology are reshaping global power dynamics and creating new opportunities for young professionals.
AI and Research Take Centre Stage
A major highlight of the convocation was the inauguration of Param Pragya, an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility at IIT Delhi’s Sonipat campus. The facility is expected to strengthen the institute’s capabilities in advanced computing, artificial intelligence and research.
The development reflects IIT Delhi’s broader focus on expanding research infrastructure and supporting technology-driven innovation. The institute has increasingly emphasised advanced research areas that can contribute to national and global technological challenges.
PM Modi’s Message to Gen Z
Addressing the graduating cohort, the Prime Minister encouraged students to look beyond conventional measures of success such as salaries, placements and job titles. He urged them to focus on creating solutions and pursuing work that can have a wider social and national impact.
He also highlighted the importance of adaptability as technology continues to transform industries and career paths. For today’s graduates, continuous upskilling is expected to become increasingly important as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape the workplace.
IIT Delhi Highlights New Academic Programmes
The 57th convocation also marked the graduation of the first batches of several newer programmes at IIT Delhi, including Bachelor of Design, Executive MBA, M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, and MA in Culture, Society, Thought.
The expansion reflects the institute’s move towards a broader academic ecosystem that combines technology with design, management, biological sciences and the humanities.
Call for Greater Participation of Women
During the ceremony, PM Modi also drew attention to the representation of women among the medal winners. He said there should be greater participation of women among students receiving the institute’s top academic honours, highlighting the importance of improving gender representation in higher education and technical fields.
Looking Ahead
The IIT Delhi Convocation 2026 highlighted the growing connection between higher education, artificial intelligence and national innovation. With new research infrastructure such as Param Pragya and an expanding range of academic programmes, IIT Delhi is positioning itself to play a larger role in technology-led research and education.
For the graduating students, PM Modi’s message centred on curiosity, adaptability and lifelong learning—skills that are likely to become increasingly important as technology continues to transform education, employment and society.