THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, Niti Aayog and Chief Guest of today’s convocation
Sh. Naresh Kumar, Chief Secretary, Delhi,
Ms. Alice Vaz, Secretary Higher Education and TTE, Govt. of Delhi,
Prof.(Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University,
Ms. Sunita Shiva, Registrar of the University,
Esteemed Members of the Academic Council and other statutory bodies of the University, Deans, Directors, Controller of Examination,
Faculty members, Officers and Staff of the University,
Persons from the Media and esteemed guests.
And most of all, Dear Graduating students and their Parents,
1. It’s my privilege to be presiding over this solemn academic gathering on the occasion of the 16th Convocation of the University. The University being in its Silver Jubilee Year, makes the occasion, all the more special.
2. It is indeed heartening to address this gathering of bright students, on their red letter day. As you pass out of the portals of your alma mater, you will enter a world of opportunities. Opportunities, that will require you to mould and guide our country, on way to achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
3. Dear Friends,
It is always a great pleasure to be amongst students and the whole fraternity of the University. First and foremost, my congratulations to all the students who are receiving their degrees and honours today. These are a testament to your countless hours of hard work, dedication, determination and intellectual prowess. As your Chancellor, I take this opportunity to extend my heartiest good wishes to you and your families, on the way ahead.
4. Today, the University is going to confer 24,708 degrees in different disciplines. These include, Ph.D, Masters, Bachelors, MBBS, MD, MS and Ayurveda Vachaspati etc. In addition to these, Gold medals and memorial awards, will be awarded to meritorious students for their academic achievements. I am confident that, you will continue to uphold the legacy of excellence.
5. GGSIP University has carved a niche for itself in a short span of time. I am happy that it has evolved as one of the most credible and premier multi-disciplinary University in Delhi and NCR. It is continuously working towards its vision and mission to impart world class education in the emerging areas like Design & Innovation, Automation & Robotics, Pharmaceuticals and Artificial Intelligence, etc.
6. Set up in 1998, GGSIPU has achieved many a distinctions and milestones. I am happy to note that the University has made progress in NAAC grades, NIRF rankings, as also QS rankings. However, I would like to underline here that, you should not be satisfied with what you have achieved. In a land of Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshshila Universities, rankings should be at the top, rather than in some bracket of hundred or five hundred. I am sure, that the University – it’s Vice Chancellor, faculty and students will strive in this direction.
7. In the last 25 years, the University has grown from strength to strength. Today, it has two campuses– Main Campus at Dwarka and the East Delhi Campus at Surajmal Vihar. The combined student intake is about 35000+, in 191 programmes, offered through 18 University Schools of Studies and Centres, and over 113 Affiliated Institutions spread across Delhi & NCR.
08. I am happy to inform you that in a substantive step forward, land measuring 20 acres has been allotted to the University, to setup its North Campus, in the Education Hub, being developed in Narela. I am sure, that this new campus will provide educational opportunities to the rural youth, and those living in North-West Delhi.
09. The University, I am informed, is also pursuing its second phase of development at Dwarka Campus. This will provide dynamic infrastructure, matching with the futuristic requirements for the upcoming aspirants, in the newer areas.
10. The University has launched, several new programmes from the current academic year, in the emerging domains of knowledge. I am told that, in Dwarka campus alone, about 1100 seats have been added, which is about 40% enhancement in the existing intake. I would like to underline here that our aim, should not only be to increase the quantity of degree holders, but equally on enhancing the quality of degree holders, in terms of their skills, aptitude and employability.
The NEP 2020, has laid down the foundation of not only flexibility in curriculum, but also quality research and innovation. Apart from this, it also focuses on Digital Learning Processes to match the demands of the 21st century. I am happy to see that the University has taken steps to align its educational programmes in affirmation with NEP 2020.
11. It is also heartening to note that the University is offering programs to bring to the fore, hitherto neglected, ancient Indian knowledge systems. Focus on streams such as Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathic, Gita, Upanishads, and local art and crafts, etc. apart from Indian and Foreign languages, is definitely a welcome step.
12. Dear Friends, especially Dear Students
Today, India is a story of growth and tremendous opportunities. It has set a target to attain the status of a developed nation by 2047. You have numerous opportunities to contribute in realizing this goal, through your knowledge, skills, values, and actions. Be it in the domain of science, technology, infrastructure or education, the areas are vast and diverse. You are our future entrepreneurs. Don’t limit yourself, become a part of this great growth story.
Here I would like to say:
भाग्यशाली है वो, जिसे अवसर मिलता है,
प्रतिभाशाली है वो, जो अवसर पैदा करता है,
पर विजेता वो है, जो अवसर का उपयोग करता है ।
13. The challenges we face are dynamic and complex. I firmly believe, that the education you have received at this university, has equipped you well, with the tools necessary to navigate through these challenges, and emerge as leaders and change-makers. As you step out into the world, please remember the importance of ethics, humility and moral values in life, and to make collective and collaborative efforts, to lead this country towards prosperity. Always remember:
वाणी और पानी, दोनों में छवि नजर आती है..
पानी स्वच्छ हो तो चित्र नजर आता है,
और वाणी मधुर हो तो चरित्र नजर आता है।
Dear students, we have to emerge as leading nation in the world and the youth has biggest responsibility, on this way forward. Our first President, Freedom Fighter and noted academician, Dr. Rajendra Prasad had said, and I quote,
“There is no resting place for a nation or a people on their onward march”.
I am sure, that your’s and the nation’s march ahead, will be inspired, by what one of the greatest sons of Mother India, said.
14. To my mind, we have two key areas that we – our universities and institution, should put all their focus on.
Put in all efforts possible to make India the leading hub of education in the world. Our ranking should be such, that students from across the globe, strive to get their degrees in our institutions. Let us, become beacons of education, the way our ancient seats of learning, were.
As the world greys, let India, with its unique demographic dividend, become the global source of trained, skilled and specialized human resource.
As you pass out of here and venture into the world of opportunities, your endeavor should be to utilize your knowledge and skills to endure the challenges of life and serve the mankind at large. As I often say,
वक़्त भी सिखाता है और टीचर भी,
दोनों में फ़र्क सिर्फ इतना है,
कि टीचर सिखा कर इम्तिहान लेता है,
और वक़्त इम्तिहान लेकर सिखाता है।
15. At the end, I would like to reiterate, what I always say. The true measure of success lies not only in the position you hold, but the impact you create in the lives of others. It is rightly said:
Positions are temporary,
Ranks and titles are limited.
But the way you treat people, will always be remembered.
Be visionaries who dare to dream, innovators who challenge the status quo and go ahead to create a Viksit Bharat. I once again wish you bright future and success in your life ahead.
To conclude, I would like to tell you:
Never Stop learning,
Because life never stops teaching.
Jai Hind !