HYDERABAD, APRIL 17, 2025: The Kautilya School of Public Policy (KSPP), a constituent institution of GITAM Deemed to be University, proudly hosted its 3rd Graduation Ceremony at the Kinnera Seminar Hall on its Hyderabad campus on Wednesday evening (April 16, 2025). The event marked a significant milestone for the Class of 2025, commemorating the culmination of their rigorous academic journey and entry into the realm of public policy leadership.
The ceremony commenced with a grand academic procession, setting an atmosphere of splendour and celebration. Chief Guest, Mr Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, graced the occasion and delivered an inspiring address. Reflecting on his longstanding association with KSPP, Mr Naidu expressed heartfelt appreciation for the institution’s journey and its contributions to shaping public policy professionals. “My association with Kautilya goes back to its inception, and I’ve had the privilege of being a member of its advisory board,” he said. He paid tribute to the visionary founder of GITAM, Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthi, for planting the seeds of the university and lauded GITAM President M. Sri Bharat for continuing to lead that vision forward. Recalling his first meeting with the KSPP Dean as a permanent ambassador to the United Nations, he expressed deep pride in witnessing the school’s evolution.
Congratulations to the graduating class, Mr Naidu emphasised each student’s rigorous selection process and applauded their commitment to excellence. “Today is a moment of immense pride, not only for the students but for all of us who are part of Kautilya’s journey,” he remarked. “As you step into the real world, carry with you the knowledge, values, and purpose to create meaningful change in society.” Encouraging graduates to think beyond conventional paths, he said, “Be job creators. Explore policy entrepreneurship. Challenge yourselves. Sometimes you have to stir the waters to see what rises to the surface. Learn quickly—walk, run, and fly—but always keep your feet grounded.”
The event was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest, accompanied by university dignitaries. M. Sri Bharat, President of GITAM and Member of Parliament from Visakhapatnam, delivered the presidential address, extending his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating cohort and felicitating the Chief Guest for his distinguished contributions. Prateek Kanwal, Co-Founder of KSPP, introduced the Chief Guest to the audience.
This year, 30 students were conferred with their Master’s degrees in Public Policy. Exceptional academic performers were specially recognised during the ceremony: Oaishik Bhattacharya was honoured with the President’s Gold Medal for securing the top rank in the Master’s Program. Cherukuri Sree Harsha received the Yanamandra Mallikarjuna Rao Gold Medal, and Rohit Singh Gautam was awarded the Dean’s Gold Medal for Best Capstone Project.
The degree conferment was conducted by Prof. Syed Akbaruddin, Dean of KSPP and former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations. Degrees and certificates were awarded by the Chief Guest. Dr. D. Gunasekaran, Registrar of GITAM, formally presented the degree records to Prof. Errol D’Souza, Vice-Chancellor. The Graduation Pledge was invoked by Prof. D.S. Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and read aloud by graduating student Vaibhavi Awasthi.
Pride and joy filled the venue as families celebrated the achievements of the graduates. Parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and administration for their dedication and mentorship. Shitiz Jha, a member of the graduating class, delivered the Graduation Address, reflecting on the collective journey, learnings, and aspirations of the Class of 2025.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vasudha Katju, Assistant Professor at KSPP, followed by the National Anthem, bringing a momentous and memorable day to a close.
