Indian graduates join special graduation

The University of Essex celebrated its inspirational alumni community in India with a special graduation celebration in New Delhi as part of its 60th anniversary.

The prestigious event was held at the Andaz Hotel and attended by numerous graduates alongside their friends and families.

They were joined by three outstanding graduates who received Vice-Chancellor Awards – leading entrepreneur Ankit Mehrotra, campaigning lawyer Sanchita Ain and corporate responsibility leader Manish Michael. Fellow Vice-Chancellor Award winner space researcher Anushree Srivastava was unable to attend the event to receive her award personally.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster told those attending: “Today is a day of celebration of your achievements, a celebration of your ongoing connection with the University of Essex – and it is also a celebration of our links to India and the importance of our future relationship with India.

“It is wonderful to share our 60th celebrations with you. Essex is where change happens, and we hope you look back on your time at Essex as a transformative moment in your life, which has helped you fulfil your personal goals and the start of a lifelong relationship with your university.”

Dineout founder and angel investor Ankit said: “I am honoured and humbled to have received the Vice-Chancellor Award. This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the values instilled in me during my time at Essex.

“I arrived at Essex as a 17-year-old in 2002 and still remember being in awe of the campus and the academic facilities after my first tour of the University. And while over the next three years, I was challenged academically, some of the life lessons learnt, have been instrumental in shaping my personal and profession journey.

Ankit said his university experience prepared him for a successful career in investment banking in the UK before moving back to India to found Dineout, which was acquired in 2022 in a multimillion pound deal by Swiggy, He said: “My time as Essex, taught me to never fear failure."

Manish Michael said: “It is only because of the people and environment which provided me with opportunities and challenges to grow, I am able to work and support people in need. Today is one of those days to say 'thank you' to everyone and especially to Essex.

“I make sure wherever I have an opportunity, I talk about my “awesome” time at Essex.

“Thank you, Essex, for the Vice-Chancellor’s Award. My family and I are very grateful for this recognition. May you continue to nurture many more students to make our world a better place.”

The graduation was part of a visit by Professor Forster to promote education and research links in India. During his trip he visited Bennett University, Ashoka University, Amity University, SRM Technical University, Anna University, OP Jindal Global University and Vellore Institute of Technology University.

See more photos from Indian Graduation 2024 on flickr.