Thiagarajar Polytechnic College records 100% placements for graduating batch

Bengaluru: Thiagarajar Polytechnic College celebrated its 66th Graduation Day with all 692 students from the graduating batch securing placements across 11 disciplines, reflecting the institution’s focus on industry-ready technical education.

Chief Guest Lakshmi Murugesan, Founder and Chairperson Emeritus of Paramount Textile Mills, Madurai, urged graduates to uphold the institution’s legacy of ethical values, determination, self-discipline and sacrifice. She encouraged them to stand up for justice, demonstrate moral courage and embrace the opportunities created by emerging technologies.

“Please dream big,” she told the graduates, stressing that innovation begins with the ability to dream, believe and build.

In his presidential address, C. Valliappa, Chairman of Sona Institutions, urged students to prioritise health, knowledge and skills while recognising the sacrifices made by their parents. He advised them to remain committed to their responsibilities and maintain their association with their alma mater.

Valliappa also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace and urged graduates to strengthen distinctly human capabilities such as reasoning, creativity and innovation to remain relevant.

Of the 692 graduating students, 55 toppers received medals across 11 disciplines. These included five government-aided programmes in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics, Production and Textile Technology, besides six self-supporting programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Architecture.

Placements covered engineering, manufacturing, technology, automotive and aerospace sectors. The institution said the six self-supporting programmes reflected its autonomous status and its efforts to expand into emerging technologies aligned with changing industry requirements.

Sona Institutions Vice-Chairman Chocko Valliappa urged graduates to continuously update their knowledge as India moves towards advanced manufacturing. He said the institution was developing curricula aimed at preparing students for opportunities in areas such as aerospace, defence and space technology.

He cited the example of a young team from Hyderabad that had developed a rocket engine, saying such achievements represented the aspirations students should pursue.

Chocko Valliappa said the profile of graduating students was also changing, with several joining electric-vehicle technology segments of the automobile industry. SonaSPEED, a precision manufacturing company working in defence, aerospace and space technologies, recruited 10 students from the graduating batch.

Several students have also opted for lateral entry into B.Tech programmes, including at Sona College of Technology.

Vice-Chairman Thyagu Valliappa said the occasion was particularly significant as Lakshmi Murugesan, daughter of institution founder Sri Karumuttu Thiagarajar Chettiar, was present to witness the institution’s progress and its efforts to develop industry-ready technical talent.

He urged graduates to create a lasting impact through innovation, perseverance, adaptability, collaboration and transformation. He also encouraged them to contribute towards India’s development and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Thiagarajar Polytechnic College Director Dr V. Karthikeyan urged the graduates to apply the knowledge, skills and values acquired at the institution in their professional careers and contribute on the global stage.

He acknowledged the contribution of the founders who have nurtured Sona Institutions since 1958 and helped shape generations of students in Salem.

Scholarships worth nearly ₹3 crore from the Government of Tamil Nadu, AICTE, private institutions and the Valliappa Foundation have helped several hundred deserving and meritorious students access technical education.

The college team, led by Principal Dr A. Kanakaraj, was also recognised for maintaining the institution’s values and providing students with a comprehensive educational experience.