Although nearly 25% of the current workforce may be left unemployed by 2027, they must not despair and instead rise to meet the challenge, advised Director General (Electronics & Communication Systems) of DRDO Binay Kumar Das at 5th convocation of Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University on Saturday.

Delivering the convocation address, Das said, "Those of the new generation may have to change career three or four times. So, one must accept change and be ready to re-adjust."

Emphasising the need to work on and develop disruptive technologies, Das observed mastery over new technologies held the key to elevating India to a prominent position on global stage.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot sought to remind the youth of their role in ensuring India achieved its goal of being a developed nation by 2047.

"If youngsters are equipped with knowledge, skills, values and national spirit, India will surely attain prominent position in global community," the governor said.

Honorary doctorates were conferred on former cricketer B K Venkatesh Prasad, music director Arjun Janya, educationist T K Narayanappa, MLC Govindaraj, educationist Mohan Alva and entrepreneur-politician Bava Mohammad Farooq.

Minister for Higher Education Dr M C Sudhakar was absent at the ceremony. Sources said he was engaged in campaigning for byelections.

As many as 37,393 students - 29,880 undergraduates and 7,484 postgraduates - were awarded their degrees at the convocation ceremony, with 64 gold medals being presented.