NewzVille Desk
National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-K), Kundli — an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) — celebrated its 6th Convocation Ceremony and 13th Foundation Day with grandeur, academic pride, and a spirit of innovation.
The Convocation veremonywas graced by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Shri Devesh Deval, Joint Secretary, MoFPI; and ShriShyam Sunder Agarwal, Managing Director, Bikanervala, attended the ceremony as Guests of Honour.Professor V. RamgopalRao, Chairperson, Board of Governors (BoG), NIFTEM-K presided over the function.
A total of 262 students were awarded degrees — 126 B.Tech, 92 M.Tech, 27 MBA, and 17 Ph.D. — while seven meritorious students received gold medals for their outstanding academic achievements.
In his address, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood praised NIFTEM-K’s role in shaping the nation’s food processing ecosystem. He highlighted that even in the age of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, “food remains the most fundamental human need.” Citing that 2.6 billion people globally cannot afford a healthy diet, he urged young technologists to combine science, technology, and compassion to develop innovative, nutritious, and affordable food solutions for all.
He further remarked that NIFTEM needs to play a pivotal role in driving the food sector in the country through innovations and deep tech research. He also suggested some of the upcoming areas for research for the Institute.
Devesh Deval congratulated the graduates, noting that convocation marks one of the most defining milestones in their lives. He reiterated MoFPI’s strong support for the institute’s continued growth. He encouraged students to leverage government initiatives such as the PMFME Scheme to emerge as job creators in the food sector.
Professor V. RamgopalRao, Chairperson, BoG, expressed confidence that NIFTEM-K is on its way to becoming the “IIT of Food Technology”, setting new benchmarks in education, research, and innovation, but also remarked that it has to attain the status of “IIM of Management” too.
Professor Rao emphasised that NIFTEM was conceived as a place where science meets the farmer and innovation meets industryand it was though that NIFTEM will be a Global reference point in Food Science. ShriShyam Sunder Agarwal, Managing Director, Bikanervala, inspired students to take Indian food to the global market through a “Local for Global” vision, emphasizing alignment with evolving industry trends.
