The recent successful launch of Vikram-1 by Skyroot Aerospace reflects the strength of India’s public-private partnership in the space sector and the continued support extended by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to the emerging commercial ecosystem, ISRO Chairperson V. Narayanan said on Thursday.

Delivering the convocation address at the 14th convocation at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) at Valiamala here, Dr. Narayanan described the described the space sector reforms in India as a “transformational milestone” that has opened unprecedented opportunities for private participation.

India today leads the world in several critical areas of space operations, Dr. Narayanan said, referring to achievements such as the discovery of water-related evidence on the Moon and the historic soft landing near the lunar south pole through the Chandrayaan mission.

Modern education should not create followers but individuals capable of mastering themselves and becoming leaders, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who was the event’s chief guest, said.

Mr. Arlekar told the students that even space is no longer the limit for their aspirations. India’s growing capabilities across science, technology and national security have transformed global perceptions of India, the Governor said. He credited the nation’s scientists and engineers for these achievements and called upon the IIST graduates to contribute meaningfully towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Degrees awarded

A total of 332 degrees were awarded on Thursday. This included 129 Bachelor of Technology (BTech), 23 Dual Degree (BTech-MTech/MS), 146 Master of Technology (MTech) and Master of Science (MS) and 34 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees across various academic departments.

B.N. Suresh, Chancellor, IIST, presided over the function. U.P. Rajeev, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, N. Jayan, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), also were present. IIST Vice-Chancellor Dipankar Banerjee presented the annual report.

Published - July 30, 2026 07:52 pm IST