102 Students Awarded Dual Degree In Convocation Of IISER At Odisha’s Berhampur

Berhampur: The students of the third batch of the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER) at Berhampur in Odisha’s Ganjam district were awarded BS-MS dual degree during the institute’s convocation on Friday.

Total of 102 students belonging to 2018 batch were handed over certificates with major in Biological/Chemical/Mathematical and Physical Sciences. While 12 students were awarded BS Degree with distinction, 25 students received MS Degree with distinction.

Two students were awarded PhD for first time. They are Purbasha Dasgupta (Biological Sciences) and Mahesh Kumar Ram (Mathematical Sciences). With this, the IISER has introduced a new concept in the science education as the students will have an interdisciplinary approach.

Tanisha Bhattacharya from the Department of Biological Sciences was awarded the President’s Gold Medal for the best academic performance in the graduating class across all disciplines of the BS-MS Dual Degree programme. Ritika Sethi from the Department of Physical Sciences was awarded the Director’s Gold Medal for an outstanding all-round achievement and leadership in the graduating class across all disciplines.

Dr G Satheesh Reddy, a renowned defence and aerospace scientist, who is the chief architect of India’s first Anti-Satellite Missile Test (ASAT) and former Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and former Secretary of Department of Defence R&D, attended the convocation as the chief cuest.

Dr Reddy emphasised in-depth research in science and technology to make India the epicentre of scientific research. “Only advanced technology can make the country prosperous. IISER Berhampur should emerge as the best institute in the country,” he said.

Sudhir Uttamial Mehta, Chairman, Torrent Ltd and Chairperson of BoG of IISER Berhampur presided on virtual mode. Director, IISER Berhampur Prof Ashok Kumar Ganguli was also present.

It may be noted that IISER Berhampur is one of seven IISERs created to be the centre for scientific excellence in the country. Currently, 193 students are pursuing BS-MS course in Berhampur institute.