Governor Shri Kataria attends 22nd convocation of Dibrugarh University
Calls upon graduates to use their skills to address local and global challenges
Guwahati,Rongili Barta- Assam Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria called upon the graduates of Dibrugarh university to use their knowledge and skills to address the local and global challenges like climate change. He also asked them to work and improve the lives of the less privileged. Addressing the students in the 22nd convocation of the university held in the university campus in Dibrugarh today, the Governor said that the graduates of the university are entering in their practical field at a time when the country is getting a new identity at the global level by playing a leading role in solving global challenges. He, therefore, asked the graduates to seize the opportunity as catalyst and work as a force-multiplier to transform the country into a Viswa Guru. The Governor said that Dibrugarh University holds a special identity as the second oldest university in North East. The university has been playing an impressive role dedicated to knowledge sharing and cutting-edge research since its inception in 1965. The university has paved the way for unprecedented research in various subjects of higher education. He said that located in the rich tribal cultural diversity of North-East India, Dibrugarh University is not just an educational institution; it is a center which is playing an important role in imparting knowledge as well as preserving the unique rich traditional and indigenous knowledge. Through its efforts, this institute has become a vibrant center of cultural exchange, the Governor said adding, “We must foster relationships with nature that go beyond textbooks. Today, adopting the green revolution and paperless work culture is an important part of this commitment. For this, the use of digital technology has become inevitable”. Shri Kataria said, “The essence of the National Education Policy is that our young students should make their rightful place in the world of the 21st century by keeping faith in Indian traditions. Here, education is considered meaningful in their progress based on life values like morality, religious conduct, charity and all-good. Our aim is to inculcate a sense of pride and cultural strength in our students for their cultural heritage”. He on this occasion hailed Dibrugarh university for being a centre of higher education which is dedicated to promote cutting edge technology in sync with culture and nature of the region. Talking about the vision of a developed India the Governor said that such a mission will be successful only by harnessing and integrating the indigenous knowledge systems with other systems under the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He, therefore, asked Dibrugarh University to promote the spirit of indigenous knowledge systems and entrepreneurship among the youth so that they can be able to provide opportunities to others to work under them promoting the ethos of Indian values. The Governor said that there is a limit for any state to ensure employment generation. He, however exuded confidence that the enterprising, confident and skilled youth of Dibrugarh University should come forward as entrepreneurs so that employment opportunities can be created for others too. He said that he is happy that Dibrugarh University is giving priority to developing skill-based education among its students. He at the same time congratulated Dibrugarh University on being selected among 26 universities to receive 100 crore MERU grant (Multidisciplinary Education and Research University Grant) under the PM-USHA scheme. He said that he is confident that the University will take all possible measures to make best use of this grant to further multidisciplinary education and research among the students. Addressing the needs of the underprivileged, the Governor asked the fraternity of Dibrugarh University to take the responsibility to uplift the education of the tea community within the state. He advocated for the identification and support of students hailing from tea gardens, offering them not only free education but also accommodation, thereby enabling them to prosper in the academic environment. He also thanked the University for integrating the NEP 2020 in its curriculum. He also asked the university to instill life values, fostering interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches, and nurturing entrepreneurial skills among students through its curriculum. The Chief Guest of the convocation Professor Sudhir Kumar Barai, Director, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani in his address emphasized on holistic improvement of students, highlighting the interconnected nature of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. A total number of graduating students this year was 10,765 received their degrees. It may be mentioned that the D. Sc Honoris Causa was conferred upon Kshiradhar Barua and the D. Litt Honoris Causa was conferred upon Nawab Imran Shah. The convocation was attended by around 1500 attendees, which included Vice-Chancellors from other state universities, alumni, faculty members, administrative staff and graduating students.