Dr Priti Adani, Chancellor of the Adani Institute of Higher Education and Research (AIHER) and Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, presided over the university’s 17th convocation in Wardha, Maharashtra, on October 17, 2026.
The ceremony marked the institution’s first convocation since it was renamed from Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis received an honorary Doctor of Letters (D Litt) degree at the ceremony.
Dr Abhijat Sheth, Chairperson of the National Medical Commission, received an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree for his contributions to medical education, healthcare governance and public health.
AIHER awarded 2,320 degrees across 10 faculties, including 123 PhDs.
Academic honours comprised 123 gold medals, seven silver medals and 13 other prizes, presented to 83 awardees.
Poojal Devidas Mapari of Datta Meghe Medical College received 23 medals for outstanding academic achievement.
Addressing the graduates, CM Fadnavis emphasised the importance of giving back to society.
“It is society that created the institution through which you could graduate. That is why there is always a time to give back. The definition of success is not how much money you earn. The definition of success is how much you can give back,” he said.
CM Fadnavis joked that he felt grateful because he did not have to put in the hard work required to earn a PhD.
Calling the occasion a proud moment for the university community, Dr Priti Adani acknowledged the efforts of students, families and teachers. She remembered the late Shri Datta Meghe, whose vision shaped the institution and whose contributions to education and healthcare remain part of its legacy.
AIHER is located in Sawangi Meghe, Wardha, around 80 km from Nagpur. It has grown from 100 medical students to more than 14,000 students. The institute now offers over 260 multidisciplinary programmes.
The university holds an A++ accreditation grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.
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