One of the stalwarts of corporate India, Mr. S. N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), visited the campuses of KIIT and KISS today, where he interacted with students and urged them to seize emerging opportunities in green hydrogen, artificial intelligence (AI), and the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.
Mr. Subrahmanyan was the chief speaker at Industry Symposium 5.0, organised by the KIIT School of Management (KSOM), where he shared his insights on the evolving industrial landscape driven by renewable energy, digital technologies, and sustainability.
Describing KIIT and KISS as “humongous campuses with a divine spirit rooted in peace,” he lauded the institutions’ role in transforming thousands of lives through education and empowerment. “Never forget the sacrifices your parents and teachers make for your education. Be humble, never stop asking questions, and remember — ‘Can do, will do, and will get it done’ must be your spirit,” he told the students.
Encouraging the youth to dream big and act early, he added, “Before you turn 35, kuch toh karke dikhao — achieve something significant.”
Recollecting his interaction with Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, Mr. Subrahmanyan described him as “a small and humble man but an extraordinary personality who has built an incredible institution for humanity.”
In his wide-ranging and thought-provoking address, the L&T chief delved into the global megatrends shaping the future — from renewable energy and green hydrogen to AI and electric mobility. “Energy transformation is happening at an unprecedented pace,” he said. “We are building some of the world’s largest solar facilities in the Middle East and one of the world’s biggest green hydrogen plants. Solar and hydrogen are the future.”
He pointed out that countries like the UAE are setting benchmarks in renewable energy, with Abu Dhabi’s entire power system now backed by large-scale battery storage. “These are examples of what’s coming. India’s youth must prepare to lead this transformation,” he added.
Speaking on the AI and digital revolution, Mr. Subrahmanyan shared how L&T is integrating cutting-edge technologies into its operations. “We are using AI in microfinance to assess family income potential, and in infrastructure planning through drone-based analytics,” he explained, encouraging students to explore the vast possibilities offered by Industry 5.0.
The session concluded with an engaging interaction between the industry leader and students, who expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the next wave of technological innovation and sustainable development.
Among others present at the event were Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor of KIIT-DU; Dr. J. R. Mohanty, Registrar; Dr. Kumar Mohanty, Director, KSOM; and other dignitaries of the university.
The visit of Mr. Subrahmanyan, one of India’s most respected corporate leaders, added another milestone to KIIT’s legacy of fostering dialogue between academia and industry, inspiring students to become catalysts of change in a rapidly evolving global economy.