IIIT Hyderabad hosted its 24th Convocation on 12 July at the Global Peace Auditorium, Brahmakumaris Shanti Sarovar, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. Alumni convocation speakers Mr. Kiran Tharanath representing the UG alumni and Ms. Rachita Choudhary representing the PG alumni, addressed the graduating students.
Prof. Praveen Paruchuri, Chair of the Alumni Affairs Committee, greeted and congratulated the graduates and introduced the two speakers, who shared powerful reflections on their journeys and the role IIITH played in shaping their personal and professional trajectories. Their inspiring messages resonated deeply with the audience, offering guidance, encouragement, and heartfelt wisdom to the newest members of the alumni network.
About the Speakers
Mr. Kiran Tharanath: B.Tech in ECE, Class of 2007, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ktnktn?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Kiran Tharanath is a seasoned global leader and currently serves as Senior Director at Samsung Electronics, spearheading Customer Strategy, Technology, and Solutions across the South West Asia region.
Kiran began his career at Samsung’s headquarters in South Korea, where he spent 18 years in various pivotal roles ranging from telecom R&D to global business development and sales. Today, he is Samsung Korea’s appointed expatriate and the first ethnic non-Korean entrusted with the role of HQ representative to India.
A Samsung Global Scholar, Kiran holds dual Executive MBAs from Indiana University’s Kelley School and SKKU, along with a Master’s by Research from Seoul National University. Fluent in five languages, including native-level Korean, his global career has seen him lead billion-dollar negotiations and strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies across six continents. Beyond work, he is a passionate mentor, guitarist, and avid traveller who has visited over 50 countries
Ms. Rachita Choudhary: M.Tech in CSE, Class of 2008, https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachitachoudhary/
Rachita Choudhary exemplifies excellence in technology and inclusive leadership. She currently serves as Vice President of Engineering at Dream11, India’s leading fantasy sports platform, where she leads high-performing engineering teams that support tens of millions of users.
Rachita’s career spans over 17 years, beginning at Amazon India and evolving through key leadership roles at FreeCharge, BabyChakra, Morgan Stanley, and Eros International. Her expertise lies in building resilient platforms and nurturing the teams behind them. As one of the few women VPs in India’s tech industry, Rachita is a strong advocate for gender diversity and women’s participation in technology.
An active leader in communities like Lean In Mumbai, AnitaB India, Women Techmakers, and WomenXCode, she mentors aspiring women technologists and is a vocal proponent of workplace policies that support working mothers. Her message to young women is clear: “Don’t quit the race—we’re vital to the future of tech.”
Both alumni speakers exemplify the spirit of IIITH — visionary leadership, global impact, and a commitment to giving back. As the graduating class steps forward into the next phase of their lives, the insights and experiences shared by Kiran and Rachita serve as guiding lights, reminding them of the transformative power of education, perseverance, and community.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Welcome to the IIITH alumni family.