23rd Graduation Day 2024, Sona College of Technology

The 23rd Graduation Day at Sona College of Technology, held on August 9, 2024, was a day filled with pride, nostalgia, and the promise of new beginnings. For the 1,403 students of the batch of 2023-24, the ceremony marked the culmination of years of hard work, learning, and personal growth.

The ceremony took place in a vibrant and grand Special Auditorium, initially set up for the Chairman’s Sadhabhisheka celebrations. The venue, adorned with colourful satin drapes, was a fitting backdrop for an event of such significance. As the Principal Prof. Dr. S.R.R. Senthilkumar led the graduation march, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and excitement. The Sonaria Music Band, along with the NCC and NSS contingents, set the tone with a triumphant melody, celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments.

Declaring the ceremony open, respected Chairman, Sri C. Valliappa, addressed the students and their parents, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. He reminded the graduates that their journey of knowledge did not end with the receipt of their degrees; rather, it was just the beginning.

Vice Chairman, Mr. Chocko Valliappa, spoke about the unique challenges faced by the graduating batch, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their studies. He praised the resilience and adaptability of the students, who continued their education despite unprecedented obstacles through digital mode for which Sona had laid foundation 10 years ahead never anticipating the pandemic.

Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, Vice Chairman, reminded how jobs in the manufacturing sector was not promising as in the IT sector since 2021 admissions for Mechanical engineering had dipped and Mechatronics was evolving. But, by embracing value addition, Sona, in association with Dassalut Systemes and TANCAM, has set up a Rs 10 crore  3DX Training lab. This helped students clinch jobs in Japan for an annual pay of Rs 36 lakhs and also in domestic core sector companies like Jindal Steel Works where ten Sona students were placed.

The day’s proceedings were further enriched by the wisdom imparted by the Chief Guest, Mr. K.S Lokanath Reddy, Vice President of Dassault Systemes, Bengaluru. On the job, young professionals have to be team players, first willing to share their knowledge with co-workers,” said Mr Lokanatha Reddy.

The Guest of Honour, Mr. Badri Rajasekar, from Walnut Creek, USA, outlined six guiding principles which young graduates would find useful as they navigate life.

While the awarding of degrees, proud parents watched their children cross the stage to receive their hard-earned certificates. Among the graduates, were 47 rank holders and 20 Ph.D. recipients, a testament to the academic excellence fostered at Sona College.

As the day came to a close, the graduates left the campus, no longer students, but confident professionals ready to make their mark on the world.