Munish Sood
Mandi
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, nestled in the valleys of Himachal Pradesh, once again showcased remarkable talent at its 13th Convocation, where 22-year-old Riya Arora from Haryana emerged as one of the most distinguished achievers.
Demonstrating exceptional merit, dedication, and hard work, Riya has secured a prestigious position as a Software Engineer at Google, with an annual package of ₹57 lakh — a milestone that has become an inspiration for young women across the country who aspire to achieve big dreams.
Riya’s selection at Google took place four months before the completion of her degree. During the convocation ceremony held on Thursday, she was honoured with the President’s Gold Medal and the Institute Silver Medal. Expressing her gratitude, Riya described the honour as the most memorable moment of her life.
She said that everything she achieved, she learned at IIT Mandi, acknowledging that the institute’s academic environment, faculty guidance, and supportive atmosphere instilled in her the confidence and discipline necessary to excel. She added that with sincerity and hard work, anyone can fulfil their dreams.
Riya’s parents, Dr. Harindra Pal and Gunjan Arora, expressed pride in her dedication and disciplined approach, noting that her achievement is an inspiration for all parents. They said that Riya has brought honour not only to them but also to the state and the country.
Riya completed her early education at Shiva Shiksha Sadan in Sonipat, where she first envisioned a career in engineering. After Class 12, she secured admission to IIT Mandi, where she shaped her aspirations and turned them into reality. Her success stands as a testament to the fact that young women in the region and across India are excelling in every discipline — be it science, technology, research, or management.
The convocation also highlighted the achievements of other outstanding students of the institute. Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) resident Vaibhav Kesharwani secured an annual package of ₹22 lakh at a private company in Mumbai and aims to establish his own tech company in the future.
Meanwhile, Bhavya, a resident of Ratia in Haryana, received an international scholarship worth ₹1 crore for pursuing a PhD at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He ranked 58th in the national JRF examination, further reflecting the calibre of talent emerging from IIT Mandi.
Reflecting on the achievements, the Director of IIT Mandi said these success stories highlight the growing presence and impact of India’s new generation on the global stage. He noted that students like Riya, Vaibhav, and Bhavya are the pride of the institution, adding that their accomplishments demonstrate the strong and rising global identity of India’s young talent.
IIT Mandi’s 13th Convocation not only celebrated academic excellence but also reinforced the expanding vision, ambition, and capability of India’s youth, who are consistently proving their mettle on national and international platforms.
