Indian President Pranab Mukherjee being presented a gift after the inauguration of Innovators Exhibition during the 3rd Convocation ceremony of Nagaland University at Lumami on Wednesday, May 15. (Morung Photo)
24,241 scholars pass out of Nagaland University
Our Correspondent
Lumami | May 15
Nagaland University conferred academic degrees in different disciplines to 24,241 scholars during the Third Convocation at the University auditorium here today in the presence of the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee as chief guest and Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio as guest of honour.
36 scholars received PHD degrees, 190 Master’s degrees, 128 Graduate degrees and 77 subject topper Gold Medals in person. 23,887 scholars received their graduate, post graduate and doctorate degrees in absentia. 170 persons won gold medals in all. Two distinguished personalities of the country, Dr. SC Jamir and Prof. Mrinal Miri, who were nominated by the Executive Council of Nagaland University, were honored with Doctorate of Literature Honoris Causa during the Third Convocation. Jamir was honored for his outstanding contribution in the field of public service, leadership and higher education. Padma Bhushan awardee Prof. Mrinal Miri, former VC NEHU and Chairman of Vice-Chancellors’ Forum of North East Central Universities, was honored with the degree for his outstanding contribution to the field of higher education.
Chief Guest, Pranab Mukherjee, while speaking at the Third Convocation expressed his immense pleasure to be at the convocation of Nagaland University which he regarded as a “premier centre of higher learning” in the North Eastern region. “Ever since its establishment, Nagaland University has made great strides in various fields of teaching and research. By imparting quality education to students from this region, it has acted as a centre of empowerment of people,” said the President. He also expressed his happiness to note that Nagaland University has a Centre for Gandhian Studies and Research to impart Gandhian values to its students. He also praised the picturesque beauty and lush environment of the University’s Lumami campus and said the environment provides congeniality for teaching and research.
Stating that Nagaland University was conceived as a result of the vision of leaders like Dr. SC Jamir and IK Sema, Mukherjee expressed his happiness to confer Honorary Degrees on Dr. Jamir and also Prof. Mrinal Miri for their outstanding contribution to the advancement of education in Nagaland. Talking about the Nagaland state, Mukherjee asserted that Nagaland is an important state in the country and it is a very good example of “unity in diversity”. He said Nagaland has made substantial progress in human development, with literacy and infant mortality rates better than the national average. “Its (Nagaland’s) indigenous art forms, culture and tradition are a matter of immense pride. Its rich resources and gifted and industrious people are an asset for the state and the country,” said Mukherjee.
Saying that the recent increase in cases of brutal assault on women and children has shaken the collective conscience of the nation, Mukherjee maintained that these unfortunate incidents underscore the urgency for us to introspect on the “erosion of values” and to devise effective measures for the safety and security of our women and children.
“We must identify the causes of moral decline in our society. Our universities and academic institutions must take the lead to meet the moral challenge of our times and ensure that our civilizational values of love motherland; performance of duty; compassion for all; tolerance for pluralism; respect for women and elderly; truth and honesty in life; discipline and self restraint in conduct, and responsibility in action are fully entrenched in young minds,” said the President of India.
He further congratulated all students getting their degrees and reminded them that learning is a never ending process. “At every stage of life, there will be opportunities to learn. Keep an open mind and equip yourself to face the challenges of life with poise, sincerity and courage,” challenged Mukherjee.
The Governor of Nagaland, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, who is also the Rector of Nagaland University, while speaking at the Convocation said that the presence of the President of India at the University today has made the occasion the most prestigious and most historical for all students, staff and the people of Nagaland. He also said that it is hearting to note that the number of female recipients will be more than the number of male students. “This is a clear pointer to the outside world that given an enabling environment, the girls of Nagaland have equal capacity and capability to excel in all fields of human endeavor,” said Dr Kumar.
He further assured of his unstinting support in improving the infrastructure of the University and will be happy to play a role in guiding academic research and contribute in preparing a long term vision and plans for the future development of various campuses of the University. Saying that Nagaland University faces many challenges today, Dr. Ashwani Kumar challenged to resolve to convert these weaknesses into strength and threats into opportunities. He expressed confidence that “together we can find solutions to all these problems and take the University forward in the direction which will benefit the long term socio economic and cultural development of Nagaland.”
Guest of Honor, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio asked the graduating scholars to use their knowledge acquired from the University for improving the quality of life of our people and become torch bearers to bring in new ideas in the areas of social reforms and development.
“I want you to become agents of change for the betterment of our society. Your true test will come when you leave the four walls of the University, and face the practical challenges of life waiting outside,” said Rio.
