BITS Pilani Confers 7800 Degrees Using Metaverse In A Hybrid Convocation
Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani hosted a convocation to commemorate the academic achievements of 7,839 working professionals graduating in different courses including MBA, M.Tech., M.Sc., and B.Tech, from the institution’s Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) division. The unique feature of the convocation was the use of Metaverse. The convocation was organized in hybrid mode.
During WILP’s second successive hybrid convocation, thousands of graduates had a memorable experience with the near-realistic convocation environment, as their personalized 3D avatars walked across a virtual stage to receive their degrees, thereby demonstrating the seamless fusion of a long-standing tradition and modern technologies.
Nearly 1,000 graduates attended the convocation in person, and more than 6,800 graduates participated virtually with the help of the revolutionary Metaverse technology; nearly 111 of them graduated from 26 other countries as well.
With the integration of 3D modeling and immersive technology, the participants also took virtual tours to explore the campuses of BITS Pilani.
Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the Executive Committee of, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council was the Chief Guest and congratulated graduates. He stressed the need to deal with successes and failures with a positive attitude and to leverage knowledge and skills for the betterment of society.
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Ms. Saskia Loer Hansen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International & Engagement, RMIT University, the Guest of Honour, spoke about the importance of work-ready skills, preparedness, and life-long learning to contribute in these complex times.
Commending the graduates, Dr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chancellor, BITS Pilani, remarked on the new chapters and journey of the graduates. “Today is your day of triumph. It is a day that signifies not just the culmination of an academic journey, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Your relentless dedication, unyielding spirit, and unwavering commitment have brought you to this remarkable moment”, he said.
Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani said, “The WILP initiative from BITS Pilani not only helps working professionals gain insights in academics and facilitates their growth but also ensures that these graduates are equipped to face real-world challenges and the changing global landscape”. Wishing the new graduates, the VC mentioned the wide range of students passing out of the WILP.
Prof. G. Sundar, Director, of Off-Campus Programmes & Industry Engagement, BITS Pilani, said, “In my view, the passion for continuous learning efforts, advancement of knowledge, and driving positive change are some of the key aspects that the new graduates can hold immense pride about, as they receive their degrees today and take further leaps in their professional growth.
While mentioning the working professionals passing out of the institute, Prof Sundar said, “More than 124700 working professionals have graduated from WILP programs over the years (till date), and the current active enrolment in various programs is more than 46000 professionals; in addition to the quality of learning that is acquired, these impressive numbers too contribute immensely to addressing the talent gap that we are witnessing today — not just across several industries in India, but around the globe as well.”
