SRM University-AP Honours DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat with Honoris Causa at Special Convocation

SRM University-AP proudly conferred the prestigious Honoris Causa degree upon Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, celebrating pioneering contributions that has transformed defence research, advanced materials engineering, and propelled technological innovation to new frontiers. Under Dr Kamat dynamic leadership, India's indigenous defence research has achieved significant progress marked by breakthrough advancements in missile systems, aerospace platforms, unmanned technologies, and next-generation materials - driving forward the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Upon accepting the Honoris Causa, Dr Kamat expressed his sincere appreciation for SRM University-AP and stated, “SRM University-AP marked a niche for itself by providing transformational learning experience to its students and scholars.”

Dr Kamat commented on DRDO’s aim to enhance intellectual capital and scientific advancements, by establishing 5 newly established labs, 15 new DRDO centres that work on underwater awareness, space awareness, etc. He encouraged the young talent in national universities to work towards indigenous defence technology, strategic foresight, and advanced scientific weaponry that position India as a global leader.

The prestigious degree was conferred in the august presence of Chief Guest Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of State for Law & Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Govt of India, Founder Chancellor of SRM University-AP Dr T R Paarivendhar, Pro-Chancellor Dr P Sathyanarayanan, Mrs Manimangai, Managing Trustee, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Members of Governing Body, Board of Management and Academic and Research Council.

Union Minister Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal delivered the convocation address highlighting the transition of India’s industrial strength and development. To the graduating students he remarked, “Increase your strength, minimise your weakness, see the opportunity and convert that to your success”, underscoring that it is the young generation that will lead in transitioning India from a developing to developed nation.

Founder Chancellor Dr T R Paarivendhar and Pro-Chancellor Dr P Sathyanarayanan conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed dignitaries for graciously accepting the invitation. Underscoring the significance of education, Dr Paarivendhar said, “Education must not be limited to infrastructure, region, discipline, or time. Our dynamic young population with innovative and translational research can boost India’s development to the global forefront.”

Emphasising the university’s vision for national transformation, Dr P Sathyanarayanan remarked that SRM University-AP believes that education goes beyond disseminating knowledge but towards developing the nation. He stated that the university will soon launch a programme in Defence Engineering – to prepare young minds to serve a sovereign and secure India.

Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SRM AP, stated that the Special Convocation stands as a tribute to excellence, visionary leadership, and the transformative power of knowledge in shaping society. Additionally, he also presented a comprehensive overview of university’s growth and achievements during the previous quarter.

The Special Convocation at SRM University-AP stood as a proud testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research & innovation, and nation-building through knowledge. As distinguished guests and eminent scholars came together on this momentous occasion, the ceremony not only celebrated individual achievement but also reaffirmed the university’s dedication to nurture and foster scientific research that drives societal impact.