Assam: The three-day 23rd convocation of Assam University began here on January 19, with degrees, certificates, and gold medals awarded to students from various disciplines.
On the first day, D.Litt., PhD, MPhil, and postgraduate-level degrees were awarded along with certificates and gold medals. Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Gopal Mahindra and Assam Police Inspector General Parthasarathi Mahanta were also awarded honorary D.Litt. degrees for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
The convocation ceremony was presided over by the University’s Chancellor and former Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Arup Raha.
Swami Atmapriyanandaji, Pro-Chancellor of the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Belur Math, attended the event as the chief guest. Addressing the audience, he emphasized the philosophy of “Sarvabhute Hite Ratah,” which works for the well-being of all living beings, and urged students to rise above self-interest and be responsible towards plants, animals, and the environment.
Referring to the concept of deep ecology, Swami Atmapriyanandaji stated that humans are not meant to dominate nature, but rather are stakeholders in a larger environmental system.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajiv Mohan Pant, in his speech, advised students to recognize society’s contribution to shaping their lives and to uphold ethical values while charting their future paths.
Others present on the stage included Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shivashis Biswas, Registrar Pradosh Kiran Nath, Controller of Examinations Suprabir Dattaroy, and deans from various schools.
Before the formal commencement of the convocation, two music videos, “Vande Mataram” and Rabindranath Tagore’s “Ekla Chalo Re,” were screened. These videos were a joint production of the Performing Arts and Mass Communication departments, with music directed by Dr. Jagannath Barman and video directed by Professor Alfarid Hussain.
The convocation will continue until January 21st. This year, a total of 13,666 candidates are being formally conferred degrees.
