Chandigarh, Oct. 25 -- From sporting triumphs and entrepreneurial dreams to overcoming personal tragedies, Punjab Engineering College's 56th convocation celebrated extraordinary graduates who defied all odds to earn their degrees.

At 43, Tirupati has fulfilled a long-held dream by earning a PhD in Applied Sciences from Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh. A research scientist with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) since 2008, he pursued the doctorate with the aim of deepening his knowledge and contributing more effectively to his field.

Despite having spent nearly two decades working with DRDO, Tirupati sees further academic learning as an opportunity to build on his experience and contribute better to sc...