Sai University Confers Honorary Doctor of Science on Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran

The honour recognises his contributions to industry, technology, innovation, education and society.

Sai University conferred an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc., Honoris Causa) on Padma Bhushan Shri Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, at its Third Convocation on 19 September 2026. The ceremony took place at the University’s campus in Paiyanur, OMR, Chennai.

The honorary doctorate recognised Shri Chandrasekaran’s contributions to industry, business, technology and innovation, education and society, alongside his role in strengthening India’s global presence.

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Shri Chandrasekaran joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in 1987, became its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director in 2009, and was appointed Chairman of Tata Sons in 2017. His leadership has encompassed digital transformation, sustainability and the Tata Group’s expansion into emerging sectors, including semiconductors, electronics manufacturing and electric-vehicle batteries.

Serving as Chief Guest, Shri Chandrasekaran also delivered the Convocation Address. He spoke about the opportunities emerging from India’s economic and technological transformation, encouraging graduates to embrace continuous learning, curiosity, creativity and collaboration.

Drawing on his experience as a marathon runner, he urged students to focus on personal progress and sustained improvement.

“You have got to measure yourself on progress, continuous improvement, push yourself towards what you want to do,” he told the graduating class.

Founder and Chancellor Shri K. V. Ramani presided over the convocation, while Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajith Abraham presented the University’s Annual Report. Degrees were conferred on 72 students—50 from the School of Computing and Data Science and 22 from the School of Arts and Sciences. Three Gold, three Silver and three Bronze Medals were awarded for academic distinction.

The ceremony also marked the release of Pursuit: Where Research Meets Innovation, a compendium documenting research conducted at Sai University between 2020 and 2025.

The honorary doctorate reflected Sai University’s commitment to recognising contributions that connect technological innovation, industry leadership and societal progress.