Mangaluru: The 33rd Annual Convocation of Mangalore University was held at the Mangala Auditorium, Mangalore University Campus Mangalagangothri here, on June 17.
The program began with the National Anthem and a Nada Geete by the students of SDM Ujire. The Vice Chancellor, Prof K Byrappa welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest Prof Govardhan Mehta (National Research Professor, School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad) to the gathering.
Vice Chancellor Prof K Byrappa requested the Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala to declare the convocation open.
Prof Govardhan Mehta, Prof Shashikiran Shetty, Prof B V R Chowdari received a Honoris Causa (honourary doctorate) from the Governor of Karnataka and Chancellor of Mangalore University for their contribution in various fields. The Chancellor presented the degrees to the Deans of the respective faculties and conferred degrees to the faculties of arts, science and technology, commerce, education and law.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Govardhan Mehta said, “It’s a privilege and honor to be a part of your 33rd convocation and I appreciate the opportunity to share some thoughts with you this morning.” He congratulated and offered best wishes to all the graduating students and medal and prize winners.
Recalling a quote of Rabindranath Tagore on the purpose of education to prepare and navigate into a brighter future, he said, “‘The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence. A broader exposure and a deeper understanding of the country and the world is essential for the youth to prepare for a purposeful life and invent a better future.”
Speaking on the achievements of Mangalore University, Govardhan said, “Mangalore University is recognized as a leading centre for teaching and research in this part of the country. Many scholars, teachers have brought laurels to this institution and it is an occasion to recall and acknowledge their contribution. The Vice Chancellor’s impressive report this morning and the printed profile of your university highlights many of your achievements like A-grade from NAAC, PURSE grant from DST and high ranking in international collaborations by SCOPUS, etc. I wish all your efforts success and I am confident that you will be able to carve out a niche for this university in the years ahead.”
He further said, “Everyone should have an appreciation for the diversity, colours and flavours of India. I wish to capture some contradictions that we harbor and seem to embrace so uniquely. Our country is considered to be food sufficient and yet, we are top in the world hunger index. We proudly launch Chandrayan and Mangalayan but cannot ensure girl child a toilet in the school.”
He also said, “Today we live in a dynamic world where time domains and geography are rapidly shrinking but innovation space and opportunities are expanding. In these momentous times, India is perceived to be re-emerging and projections are that our GDP growth will overtake all the major economies in the next decade. Today, myriad possibilities fundamentally challenge the dogma of impossibility. Human spirit and indomitable resolve, backed by passion can achieve everything and overcome any adversity. Swami Vivekananda has given us and the world a success formula and I quote, “Fill the brain with high thoughts, highest ideals, place them day and night before you and
out of that will come great work.” Follow this path with a sense of purposefulness, brew your own success formula and your potential. Success should become the best possible version of you.”
While concluding he said, “My last word is for the faculty. Let me make my point by quoting Albert Einstein, “Thinking is to a man what flying is to a bird”. Every teacher/faculty in a university must cultivate research funding and must harbor a yearning to supervise doctoral research. To facilitate this, the management of every institution must create an enabling environment in terms of requisite infrastructure and information resources.”
The Chancellor dissolved the convocation. The program concluded with the National Anthem.
So true! Money is in the wrong hands and corrupt officials will swindle any money allocated for any good thing. It is also a cultural issue and culture is almost impossible to change! It is like asking the gun owners in the USA to give up their guns – something that will never happen!