The XVI Convocation of Rajiv Gandhi University was held on Friday at the university campus near here during which 5,867 students were conferred degrees of various courses.
Among them were 44 in PhD, 29 in MPhil, 1,398 in post graduate (PG) and 4,396 in undergraduate courses (UG). A total of 51 gold medals including 25 in PG and 23 in UG programmes, one chancellor’s gold medal and two vice chancellors’ gold medals were also awarded on the occasion.
Biswadeep Doley, M.Sc in Zoology was conferred the chancellor’s gold medal for being the topper amongst the postgraduate students, while Marina Ezing and Libi Nyodu, both BA in Education were presented the prestigious vice-chancellor’s gold medals for being the toppers at the undergraduate level.
Congratulating the candidates, Arunachal governor Dr B D Mishra who graced the function as chief guest said, “It was very encouraging to see the female students perform well in the university.”
“In an advanced society if there is empowerment of girls and of the wisdom that is given to them, then it is a sign that the country is doing well. A society where girls are excelling in academics is certainly on the path of progress,” the governor said.
The governor who is also the chief rector of the university further urged the students to contribute towards ‘Nation Building’. He said the society has enabled them to pursue and earn the academic degree and now it is their turn to pay back to the society.
He advised them to work hard, be focused and sacrifice for higher good of the society and the nation.
The governor also suggested to the passing out students to work on the challenges of the society, which included fighting drug abuse, oppose and thwart insurgency, stop the beguiled youth from joining unlawful fractions, promote child education, especially girl child education, promote Swachhta Abhiyan among others.
Mishra encouraged the students to be mission oriented and self disciplined and always respect the teachers and pursue knowledge.
The governor also exhorted the members of the RGU faculty to be a friend, philosopher, guide and coach for the students.
In his convocation address, IGNOU vice-chancellor Professor Nageshwar Rao said education is the key to development and added that real education of life begins after the completion of university education.
“Accept knowledge from whatever sources it comes and always try to extract it. Be generous in life no matter what field you are working at,” Rao said.
Earlier, while welcoming the gathering, RGU vice chancellor Professor Saket Kushwaha informed that apart from teaching and carrying out researches in 24 departments, the RGU also offers various other PG diploma and certificate courses.
Currently, the university has 2,331 students with higher number of female students, he said.
Taking opportunity Professor Kushwaha also highlighted the shortage of department buildings and hostels and also lack of dedicated power and water supply in the University which in turn hampers the departments’ work.
Among others, First Lady Neelam Misra, former vice chancellor Professor Tamo Mibang and a host of other invitees, parents and guardians of the graduating students were present on the occasion.