The 58th Convocation ceremony at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay was rather different and surprising. This year, the institution used technology like Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality during the event, and the decision was taken keeping the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown in mind.
As per reports, this year's convocation ceremony went online and all the credits have been given to the hard work and contributions made by the professors. The 3D version of the convocation ceremony was held at the virtual campus of IIT-Bombay, where a virtual graduation ceremony was held.
Professor of Physics at Princeton University and the winner of Nobel Prize in Physics for 2016, Prof. Duncan Haldane, was invited as the Chief Guest for the event, along with Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, Stephen Schwarzman.
Talking about the same, officials from IIT-B said that the team decided to arrange such a VR-convocation for the graduating students to ensure their health was not at risk. However, officials also ensured that the students were not deprived of the sense of achievement and pride.
Taking an innovative approach, a 3D avatar was created and every graduate was awarded the degree certificate by Director Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri. Sharing more about the concept he said that the effort was put by the staff and it was done for the students to inspire them to think big and in an innovative manner. Addressing the students he said, "You will be experiencing personally created avatars of each one of you collecting degree certificates from my own avatar surrogating me, from the comfort of your homes. This is probably the first such attempt anywhere in the world."
The virtual event also had laboratories, hostels and areas for students to chat, which are attended by the students since Saturday evening. A total of 2404 students were awarded their degree certificates. On the other hand, 151 students were awarded a PhD.
Maharashtra PIB took to Twitter to share the message that the President of India's Medal for 2020 was awarded to Sahil Hiral Shah in Computer Science & Engineering.
LIVE from #IITBombay Virtual Convocation:
— PIB in Maharashtra 🇮🇳 (@PIBMumbai) August 23, 2020
President of India's Medal for 2020 goes to Sahil Hiral Shah, https://t.co/EdUFpsUBTU in Computer Science & Engineering
Check out virtual avatar of the student receiving medal from Chief Guest and Nobel laureate Prof. @FDuncanMHaldane pic.twitter.com/XAOOXxqkNy
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