Industrialist and the Chairman of Adani Group, Gautam Adani, addressed the 70th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, urging graduates to dedicate themselves to nation-building while underlining India’s unprecedented economic rise.

The convocation at IIT Kharagpur, established in 1951, saw thousands of students graduate in engineering, sciences, and management. 

Delivering his speech at the country’s oldest IIT, Adani told the graduating students that they were entering a world filled with opportunities where India is poised to lead in technology, sustainability, and innovation. “You represent the brightest minds of our nation, and the responsibility of shaping the future rests on your shoulders,” he said.

“In 1947, we broke the chains on our land. Yet in the 21st century, a nation can be independent and still be bound by dependence. Just three days ago, we marked our 79th Independence Day, and it is clear we stand at a major inflection point. The world is moving from conventional wars to technology-driven wars of power, and our ability to prepare will decide our future,” he added. 

Adani highlighted that India is currently the fastest-growing major economy, with a growth trajectory that has captured global attention. He pointed out that India’s GDP, which stood at around $3.7 trillion in 2023, is expected to touch $5 trillion in the next few years. “This growth is not just a statistic. It is a reflection of the confidence, ambition, and determination of a billion-plus Indians,” he noted.

The Adani Group chairman underscored how India’s transformation is visible across multiple fronts — from digital adoption and green energy to infrastructure development and space exploration. Citing examples, he pointed to India’s rapid strides in renewable energy, where the country has become the world’s third-largest producer of solar power, and the success of Chandrayaan-3, which showcased the strength of indigenous technology.

Speaking about his own journey, Adani reminded students that success is not defined by privilege or background but by resilience and conviction. He recalled his early years when he had little formal training in business but managed to build an empire through perseverance. “Your degree from IIT Kharagpur is an enabler. But what will define your future is not your grades, but your grit and your ability to adapt to change,” he said.

Adani warned that over the next decade, several companies that today seem unbeatable will vanish. “They will disappear, not because they lacked resources, but because they could simply not compete at the pace and scale needed. And I will say that the same stands true for educational institutions! Because the educational institutions too must transform. They must move at the speed of change, drive cutting edge research and yet be accountable to real-world impact. This is no longer about producing brilliant graduates — it is about producing brilliant patriots that graduate armed with ideas, discipline, and the will to make India unshakable,” he added. 

Adani also touched on the need for ethical leadership and sustainable development. He warned that technological advancement without responsibility can lead to greater inequality and environmental challenges. “The future of business lies in balancing growth with sustainability. Climate change is the biggest challenge of our times, and young innovators like you will play a decisive role in finding solutions,” he urged.

In his speech, Adani reminded graduates that India’s demographic dividend gives it a unique edge. With an average age of 28, the nation has one of the world’s youngest populations. “This energy, if channelled with purpose, will ensure that India not only becomes the third-largest economy but also a nation that leads in inclusivity and innovation,” he said.

The industrialist’s address came at a time when India is seeking to strengthen its position in global supply chains. Adani said the country’s push for self-reliance — under initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ — will open new avenues for engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs. “In the coming decade, the world will look towards India not just as a market but as a hub of innovation,” he said.

Concluding his speech, Adani urged graduates to retain humility and empathy in their professional journeys. “No matter how high you rise, remember that true success is measured not by wealth or position, but by the impact you create on society,” he told the IIT graduates, leaving them with the message that their brilliance should serve not just themselves but the nation at large.