MICA holds 31st convocation, awards degrees and diplomas to 255 students

Ahmedabad, April 6: MICA, the School of Ideas, held its 31st convocation on Saturday, conferring diplomas, certificates and fellowships on 255 students across its flagship programmes.

The graduating cohort comprised 152 students from the Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications (PGDM-C), 49 from the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), 48 from the Crafting Creative Communications (CCC) programme, and six scholars from the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM).

Sushant Dash, Chief Executive Officer of Tata Starbucks, was the chief guest at the convocation, which was also attended by members of MICA’s governing council, faculty, alumni and families of the graduating students.

Delivering the welcome address, Jaya Deshmukh, Director and CEO of MICA, outlined the institute’s evolving vision in response to technological and societal shifts.

“As Artificial Intelligence becomes embedded in every aspect of life, the world is moving into what we call the age of imagination. Our role is to nurture creative thinkers who can shape that future,” she said.

She added that the convocation marked both reflection and renewal for students.

“There is something about the MICA DNA that will make each one of you stand out in whatever you choose to do,” she said, urging graduates to carry forward the institute’s values of curiosity, empathy and resilience.

Highlighting key developments over the past year, she spoke about the introduction of MICA’s new academic framework anchored in the “MICA Lens”, which integrates creativity, culture, communication, commerce and community. She also noted the expansion of academic offerings, including new specializations such as brand management, sales and CRM, product management, business analysis and consulting, and data science and analytics, along with sectoral focus areas including FMCG, media and entertainment, and financial services.

She highlighted improved placement outcomes, noting a 17 per cent increase in median summer internship stipends and nearly 7 per cent growth in median final placements, reflecting strong industry alignment.

Addressing the graduating students, Chief Guest Sushant Dash spoke about the importance of consistency, collaboration and real-world impact.

“The market does not reward occasional brilliance. It rewards consistency,” he said, adding that excellence is built through discipline and sustained effort.

He also emphasized the importance of translating ideas into outcomes, saying, “Creativity without impact is decoration. If you can turn ideas into results, you will stand out.”

On the growing role of technology, he said, “AI will give you options. Your job is to choose wisely,” highlighting the importance of judgment and clarity in decision-making.

The convocation ceremony also featured the presentation of awards recognizing academic and creative success, as well as the release of the Year Book 2025–26, capturing the achievements and experiences of the graduating batch.