Campus Times | Lucknow 

Lucknow University is gearing up for its 69th Convocation Ceremony, with NITI Aayog Member and eminent scientist Prof. Abhay Karandikar set to attend as the chief guest. The proposal has received formal approval from the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, who also serves as the Chancellor of the university.

The presence of one of the country’s leading figures in science, technology and policy-making is expected to add significant prestige to the annual academic event, where meritorious students will be honoured with degrees and medals.

In a notable change from previous editions, the convocation will not be held at its traditional venue. Instead, the ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Scientific Convention Centre of King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow’s Chowk area.

The state-of-the-art facility will host students, faculty members, dignitaries and award recipients for one of the university’s most important academic occasions.

Who is Prof. Abhay Karandikar?

Prof. Abhay Karandikar is widely regarded as one of India’s leading academicians and technology experts.

He earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur and has held several key leadership positions in India’s higher education and scientific ecosystem.

Most recently, he served as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, from October 2023 to May 2026. Before that, he was Director of IIT Kanpur between 2018 and 2023, overseeing major initiatives in research, innovation and institutional development.

Prior to his tenure at IIT Kanpur, he spent more than two decades as a faculty member in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay, mentoring generations of engineers and researchers.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saini said the participation of Prof. Karandikar would be a matter of pride for the university community and an inspiration for graduating students as they prepare to embark on their professional journeys.