“Educational institutions, much like our other coveted institutions such as judiciary, parliament etc are guided by constitutional values. These was stated by Prof. Mamidala
Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, University Grants Commission while delivering the 22nd Convocation address of Tezpur University today as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Kumar urged the students to convert challenges into opportunities. “We are part of the global citizenry now, so many of our problems are similar in nature such as Climate change, extreme poverty etc. Therefore, we should all be concerned about these challenges”, Prof Kumar said. Citing examples of Aditya L1 and digital payments systems of India, the former JNU vice chancellor remarked that young aspirational Indians has the ability to transform the nation. “Look at the Fortune 500 companies many of which are headed by Indians. They are product of our education system”, Prof Kumar said.
Discussing on the issue of inclusive higher education, Prof Kumar said that higher education should be inclusive for weaker sections. They should be part of the growth journey. Commentating on the National Education Policy, the UGC chairman said that NEP is based on constitutional values, which will promote diversity, skill-based education and inclusivity.
He urged the students to remain lifelong learners and to keep the flame of curiosity burning.
Presiding over the convocation and conferring a total of 1363 number of awardees,Governor of Assam and Chancellor, Tezpur University, Lakshman Prasad Acharya in his address said that Convocation serves as a powerful platform to remind students of their responsibility towards society and the nation.
“The purpose of education transcends the mere acquisition of knowledge and skills. True education should not just fill minds with information, but also cultivate empathy, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility towards fellow human beings’, the governor said.
The Governor further said that the Universities or for that matter educational institutions are not isolated entities; they are deeply intertwined with the social fabric of the communities they serve.
Quoting the great scientist and former President of India Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Governor Acharya remarked that If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun,& quot; which serves as a powerful reminder that achieving greatness requires immense dedication and unwavering effort.
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor, Tezpur University urged the graduating students to embrace their responsibilities as torchbearers of change and innovation. “As you grow, your alma mater grows and so does the nation”, Prof. Singh said. He also shared the university’s ambitious plans for expansion and innovation. He announced that Tezpur University is poised to establish new departments, including Economics, Psychology, Political Science, Geography, Performing Arts and Tribal Studies. The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the university’s thriving research ecosystem, mentioning about the ongoing projects and future infrastructure projects.
The Vice Chancellor informed the gathering that during this convocation, 131 PhDs; 739 Postgraduates, 428 Undergraduates, 14 PG Diplomas and 51 degrees and diplomas awarded through distance and online learning mode.
This year, a total number of 49 toppers have qualified for Gold Medals. Best Graduate Award was awarded Sumantra Choudhury of the B.Tech programme in Food Engineering And Technology. The best Postgraduate Award was given to Abhinav Hazarika of the Integrated M.Sc programme in Chemistry.
