Infosys Executive Stresses Lifelong Learning Over Starting Salary at National Engineering Competition
In a powerful address to aspiring engineers, Infosys Vice-President and Head Vinayak P Hegde declared that a person's initial salary is not a determinant of their future success. Speaking at the national-level project competition 'VRIDDHEEE 2026' in Mysuru on Saturday, Hegde emphasized that the true markers of a prosperous career are one's capacity to learn continuously, collaborate effectively, and consistently improve.
Core Message: Resilience and Adaptability
Drawing from his own professional journey spanning more than thirty years, Hegde encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning and to view failure not as a conclusion but as a valuable opportunity for growth and strengthening. "Failure is not the end. It is an opportunity to learn and become stronger," he stated, urging the audience to maintain a positive outlook when facing setbacks.
He further advised the young engineers to concentrate on building robust core engineering skills while simultaneously adapting to emerging technological advancements, including artificial intelligence. This dual focus, he suggested, is crucial for navigating the evolving professional landscape.
Infosys Associate VP on AI and Human Creativity
Sundar KS, Associate Vice-President at Infosys, Mysuru, echoed the importance of adaptability, highlighting that rapid technological transformations and the rise of AI will fundamentally shape the future workplace. He stressed the necessity of developing dual capabilities: a combination of technical knowledge and domain expertise alongside strong social skills and fundamental principles.
"While AI tools can solve existing problems, innovation relies on human creativity. Students must observe, learn, and innovate, contributing to both new and existing solutions," Sundar explained. He emphasized that curiosity, a commitment to continuous learning, and a proactive mindset are indispensable for achieving success in a dynamic and ever-changing global environment.
VRIDDHEEE 2026: A Platform for Innovation
The event was organized by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering. It featured an impressive display of innovative projects presented by students from electrical, mechanical, electronics, and computer science disciplines from across the nation.
The competition witnessed participation from 53 teams hailing from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Telangana, showcasing a diverse array of projects spanning various engineering and technology domains. This gathering served as a vibrant platform for young minds to demonstrate their ingenuity and problem-solving abilities.
In summary, the key takeaways from the Infosys leaders' addresses were clear: future success is built on a foundation of continuous learning, resilience in the face of failure, and the harmonious integration of core engineering skills with emerging technologies like AI, all driven by human creativity and a proactive approach.
