During the recent Graduation Day address at Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE) in Mysuru, renowned researcher and emeritus professor from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Gautam R. Desiraju, delivered a compelling message to young engineering graduates: prioritize contributing to India’s growth over seeking opportunities abroad.
Professor Desiraju highlighted potential challenges for Indian professionals looking overseas, specifically mentioning the Trump administration’s hefty $100,000 annual fee on companies for each H-1B visa. He suggested that such policies might significantly reduce the availability of positions for Indian graduates in foreign markets.
“India is experiencing remarkable growth, and our macroeconomic situation is incredibly robust,” he asserted. He argued that while the “arithmetic” of moving abroad to save money might have made sense two decades ago, it no longer holds true, especially as India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy.
Drawing a parallel with the improved travel times between Bengaluru and Mysuru, which now takes just two hours compared to much longer durations in the past, he emphasized India’s rapid development. “Our nation has truly come of age and requires even more engineers to build essential infrastructure like roads and bridges,” he stated, urging the graduates to be an integral part of this national progress.
Desiraju also touched upon the emerging threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI), labeling it a “new danger” that could lead to widespread job displacement both in the U.S. and India. He warned that many traditional engineering roles might soon become redundant due to AI advancements.
Furthermore, he questioned the fixation many young Indians have with computer-related jobs in IT companies, particularly in Bengaluru. He advised against the pitfalls of modern lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and strongly encouraged more engineering graduates to consider careers in academia.
Opportunities in China
Interestingly, Professor Desiraju also encouraged graduates to consider working in China if the opportunity arises. He noted that China is significantly advanced in numerous technological fields and that Indians should not hesitate to gain short-term experience there. “In my experience, the Chinese hold high regard for Indian intelligence. If they see you know your work, they will treat you with respect – a notable difference from the U.S.,” he explained.
Other dignitaries at the event included Vidyavardhaka Sangha (VVS) Secretary P. Vishwanath, who urged students to maintain ties with their alma mater and inspire future batches. VVCE Principal B. Sadashive Gowda lauded the college’s achievements and motivated students to embrace a resilient, never-give-up attitude.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The Graduation Day ceremony saw 817 engineering students—552 boys and 265 girls—receive their degree certificates. Deepti Bhat was honored as the college topper, achieving the first rank in Computer Science Engineering. Other distinguished rank holders included Vidhyashankar B.V. (AIML), Rohan Vijay (CSE – AIML), Manoj S. (Civil Engineering), Prerana Thejraj (Electronics and Communication Engineering), Anushree S. (Electrical and Electronics Engineering), Dhruthi G. (Information Science and Engineering), and S. Abhinav (Mechanical Engineering).
The event was graced by the presence of Gundappa Gowda, President of VVS; B. Shivalingappa, Vice-President of VVS; Shrishaila Ramannavar, Treasurer of VVS; Shobha Shankar, Vice-Principal; and Sudev L.J., Controller of Examinations.