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PM Modi’s Speech At IIT Delhi 57th Convocation 2026 - AI, Research, and Lifelong Learning
New Delhi, 8th August 2026: Over 3,000 IIT Delhi graduates, including 587 PhDs, were conferred degrees at the 57th Convocation Ceremony, held on Saturday, August 8. As the Chief Guest, Prime Minister Modi walked among the graduating students and presented IIT Delhi's highest honors to the distinguished students.
This year’s Convocation included a recruit AI, Advanced Computing and Research. These were the major components of the IIT Delhi program, and offered a snapshot of the venue of the formal academic milestone.
PM Modi Addresses Need for Lifelong Learning
Citing the rapidly evolving world of work, Prime Minister Modi urged the graduates to be lifelong learners and to be prepared to reshape and reform their work roles and to keep pace with new and emerging technologies. In the address, the Prime Minister not only referred to the rapidly changing world of work, but also to the role that mentors play in the journey of students by way of thanks.
This address was most relevant to graduates of IIT Delhi, as AI and Advanced Computing, along with other technologies, are at the core of the transformation of work in most, if not all, professions.
Over 3,000 Students Receive Degrees
The Prime Minister's Office reported that there was a 57th Convocation dedicated to 3,000 graduates and all 587 PhD graduates. This large graduating group displays the continuing development of IIT Delhi in the area of education at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. The ceremony also awarded some of the most distinguished awards in formal academics.
The awards presented were:
- The President's Gold Medal
- The Director's Gold Medal
- The Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal
- The Perfect Ten Gold Medals
These awards are presented for distinguished formal academic achievement and are awarded to some of the graduating students.
The Param Pragya: The new AI Supercomputing Facility at IIT Delhi
A new initiative launched at the 57th Convocation is an AI-powered Supercomputing Facility located at IIT Delhi's Sonipat Campus. IIT Delhi will significantly improve its AI infrastructure and capability, as well as advanced computing, data science, and cross-disciplinary research with the establishment of this resource. This initiative gives a research focus to the Convocation and goes beyond the offering of degrees and medals.
In addition, it aligns with the efforts of expanding the capability and capacity for research and computing in India, particularly with AI becoming a predominant area of focus across many fields.
PM Modi Comments on the Gender of Medal Winners
An additional noteworthy moment is that Modi commented on the gender of the medal winners, commenting that the top medals awarded should not only go to a handful of women and that there should have been more women.
What makes this organization’s observation popular during this event is the emphasis it places on ensuring elite technology institutions do not fail in achieving the highest possible performance while providing equal opportunities for all talented students regardless of gender to achieve the greatest heights. The observation adds yet another dimension to the event: The excellence of the participants.
Why IIT Delhi's 57th Convocation was Special
For the participants, the event marked the completion of years of intensive academic training. For IIT Delhi, the event marked an even greater institutional focus toward AI and high-performance computing, research, and interdisciplinary innovation. The combination of a large graduating cohort, high levels of academic excellence being recognized, and the launch of Param Pragya made the 57th Convocation significant even beyond its customary function of conferring degrees.
For the students making early career choices, Modi distills a simple message: The technology environment will continue to evolve, and so must the participants. The degree completes one phase of continuous learning, but for this cohort the more challenging task of active learning post-degree has just begun.
Final Thoughts
The 57th Convocation at IIT Delhi was more than just a chance for students to receive their degrees. With Artificial Intelligence and technology evolving to change the workplace, educational institutions and students are required to adapt to the new work environment. In his speech, PM Modi dedicated time to the importance of curiosity and the need for constant learning.
The inauguration of Param Pragya, an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility, at the IIT Delhi Sonipat Campus, added a new dimension of innovation and research to the event. IIT Delhi will be able to expand its already considerable skills and resources in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, data science, supercomputing, and interdisciplinary research.
Key Takeaways
- On August 8, 2026, PM Modi was the Chief Guest at IIT Delhi’s 57th Convocation.
- Over 3,000 degrees were conferred, including 587 PhDs.
- Modi awarded IIT Delhi’s academic accolades, including the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, the Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal, and Perfect Ten Gold Medals.
- The convocation inaugurated the Param Pragya, AI-enabled high-performance supercomputing facility at IIT Delhi’s Sonipat Campus.
- The facility is anticipated to expand work at IIT Delhi in AI, data science and advanced computing, as well as in research of a more interdisciplinary nature.
- Modi urged the graduates to keep the flames of curiosity alive and continue learning, as the pace of technology does not stop.
- He emphasized the role of mentors and teachers in the shaping of the academic and professional journeys of the students.
- The 2026 graduating class from IIT Delhi is also the first graduating class of several newer programs, such as B.Des., Executive MBA, M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, and M.A. in Culture, Society, Thought.
- IIT Delhi disclosed that in the last year, 196 patents were filed, 26 were licensed, and 26 companies were incubated, showcasing the emerging research and innovation ecosystem.
- The broader message of the ceremony was that graduating from IIT is the beginning of a life of learning, research and innovation, rather than the end.
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