Deakin graduates Indian students in India

Deakin University held its first graduation ceremony in India yesterday (30 August).

Sixty Indian students received their awards in the special ceremony which was attended by Mr Rajat Kumar Gupta, Senior Partner Emeritus, McKinsey and Company and Deakin University's Chancellor Mr David Morgan and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sally Walker.

Having completed a bachelor in mechanical engineering from the IIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Mr Gupta has served many leading organisations and is very active in the field of education, health and development. He served as the Managing Director Worldwide of McKinsey. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Board of the Indian School of Business, Board of Genpact and New Silk Route Private Equity and the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). In addition, Mr Gupta contributes to the work of a host of organisations including Harvard Business School, Kellogg School of Management, Yale President's Council, Procter & Gamble, AMR Corporation, International Chamber of Commerce to name a few.

Professor Walker said she was delighted to be in New Delhi for the occasion.

"Deakin University was the first Australian University to establish an office in India, over a decade ago and this latest endeavour further echoes our commitment to India," Professor Walker said.

Professor Walker said that Deakin University currently had more than 50 key partnerships in India with some of India's leading organisations and institutions including Biocon, VIMTA, Tata Steel, CCMB, IIT, PHFI, TERI to name a few.

Many of these organisations received "Certificates of Appreciation" from Mr Morgan and Professor Walker as recognition for their work in helping Deakin work towards its goal of "Delivering Effective Partnerships" in India.

Mr Morgan and Professor Walker also presented distinguished alumni Gaurav Chabra and Rohan Murthy with their 'Distinguished Alumni Award'. The award honours those who have had significant achievements.

Gaurav Chabra received the award for his contribution to Corporate Leadership Initiatives while Rohan Murthy received his award for Entrepreneurial and Corporate Social Responsibility. Both work at two leading corporate houses in India.

Sharing his Deakin experience, Gaurav Chabra said, "The Deakin MBA prepared me for management-level positions, which gives autonomy to move across industries. Deakin graduation involves assignments, reports, presentations, and group projects, which have given me necessary abilities to handle real-life business situations."

Airing similar sentiments, Rohan Murthy added, "My tenure at Deakin University was short but intensive. It was an enriching, enlightening and enjoyable experience. It has had a significant impact on my perspective on the professional and personal life."

Other guests from the University included Deakin's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development) Ms Robin Buckham, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Lee Astheimer, Executive Director – Institute for Technology, Research and Innovation Professor Peter Hodgson, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology Professor Brian McGaw, and the Dean, Faculty of Business and Law Professor Gael McDonald.

The Ceremony was a highlight in a busy few days in India for members of the delegation who were involved in meetings and the signing of agreements with a range of the University's many Indian partners from academia, industry, and government.