THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
- Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, Shri Suman Bery Ji,
- Hon’ble Education Minister, Smt. Atishi Ji,
- Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi, Prof. Anu Singh Lather,
- Distinguished Dignitaries, Esteemed Faculty Members,
- Dear Graduating Students and their parents.
- Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am happy to be here amidst you on the occasion of 12th Convocation of the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi today.
02. Over the past 15 years, AUD has registered a remarkable trajectory of growth, both in terms of quality and the quantity. It has established multiple robust institutional pillars and mechanisms, that work cohesively to achieve the dual objectives of delivering, high-quality education, while upholding principles of equity and social justice.
03. Despite having, much older, established and reputed institutions of higher education, as its peers in Delhi, AUD has set its own benchmark of excellence in the fields of social sciences and humanities. In fact, the University is now known for its academic excellence, creative pedagogy and innovative teaching. It has a learning ecosystem that promotes knowledge creation, not just for the benefit of the individual seekers but also keeping in focus, its social relevance.
04. A vivid example of this dedication is witnessed when all the constituents of the University harnessed their strengths to fulfil the vision of NEP 2020 - and has pioneered in many areas. It is encouraging to see that the University has embraced the recommendations of the NEP 2020, and has implemented many of its suggestions right from its inception. These include multidisciplinary four-year programmes, continuous assessment system, and a choice-based credit system. Now the University has introduced four-year undergraduate programmes with a research-focused fourth year, multiple-entry exit system, and the Academic Bank of Credits.
05. I am told that the University has established the Centre for Research and Archiving in Indian and Indigenous Language and Knowledge Systems in keeping with the focus of NEP 2020 on Indian knowledge systems. It is indeed a matter of satisfaction that the University is also working on translating study materials into Hindi and has created an AwdharanaKosh for the students. Such efforts, indeed, are expected of institutions of higher learning, that have been now entrusted with the onerous responsibility of being successors to the ancient seats of learning that Bharat had in the shape of Nalanda, TakshShila and VikramShila, etc.
06. I am informed that the University has also adopted 07 slums and villages in Delhi and it is heartening to note that it has made outreach and community service a part of its ethos. I was happy to see the students, staff and faculty participating with dedication during my visits to Vasudev Ghat at ISBT and Signature Bridge-ITO Barrage, for Yamuna cleaning operations a few months ago.
Dear Students, I would like you to always remember that, 'POSITIONS are temporary. RANKS & TITLES are limited. But the way you treat people and serve the Society will always be remembered. '
07. NEP 2020 emphasises the integration of practical skills with liberal education. Given the projections that millions of Indians will enter the workforce in the coming years, universities have a pivotal role to play in developing skills, capacity, and competency of the workforce. Over the past years, AUD has made significant strides in this direction by launching the Atal Incubation Centre, the Skill Development Centre, and the Entrepreneurship Development Cell.
08. As we all have read in the media reports on the admissions 2023-24 through CUET, AUD was on the 4th rank in the list of universities chosen by the applicants. It was a preferred choice for 4,72,357 UG applicants and 1,92,750 PG applicants. This is not easy, given the presence of other high-quality central and state universities in Delhi. I commend the leadership and all the constituents of the University for this achievement.
09. Convocations are important landmark in the life of students and their parents. They are occasions when the hard work and scholarship put in by the students are recognized.
Dear students,
10. As you leave the portals of your alma mater, you have an entire new world in front of you. You may feel alone and nervous since, you would no longer have the support of your guides and friends. But, you have no reason to be nervous, since I know that the skills you have acquired will help you in facing all challenges ahead of you.
किसी ने खूब कहा है, 'भाग्यशाली वह है जिसको अवसर मिलता है, प्रतिभाशाली वह है जो अवसर पैदा करता है, विजेता वह है जो अवसर का उपयोग करता है।
आपको अवसर भी मिला है, आप प्रतिभाशाली भी हैं। परिवर्तन से डरिये मत। अपनी प्रतिभा से तरक्की की तरफ बढ़िये।
Friends,
11. India is presently in a challenging phase of its socio-economic transition. We are at the cusp of becoming a great economic power, in the middle of global challenges that are complex as well as unpredictable. Indian expertise and talent has much demand worldwide. The prospects in a liberal economic environment are immense. Yet, to take advantage of the unfolding opportunities in a globalized market, we have to galvanize our demographic strength.
12. Our demographic dividend of youth - 600 million people in the age group of 25 years and below, has to be converted into an asset that propels our surge for development. For this to happen, we have to undertake skilling and capacity building amongst our youth in a mission mode.
13. Institutions and Universities, undoubtedly, have to take the lead in shaping this demographic dividend. This stupendous task can only be accomplished when public institutions, undergo a paradigm shift and enter into collaborated partnerships with all stakeholders, that includes industry, civil society and varied state and central agencies.
14. For graduates to compete in a global economy, they will have to be empowered with quality education by our institutions. For this, our institutions should work relentlessly to achieve excellence. Models of imparting education have to be in sync with the latest trends, technology and also the evolving profile of the students. I have been saying time and again, and I repeat that a strong research eco-system has to be fostered by institutions and universities for education to emerge as the Alchemy for India’s socio-economic transformation.
Dear friends,
15. Rankings, though not the sole indicator, are definitely a parameter to gauge excellence that attracts international faculty as well as students. While NIRF is a laudable initiative, to my mind, AUD and other Universities in Delhi should look at higher international
rankings. It is a matter of concern that not even a single University or Institution from India is ranked amongst the top 100 in global rankings.
16. We have to understand and appreciate that our centres of higher education are social institutions as well. Apart from fulfilling their academic role, they have to carry out their responsibilities as social entity as well. A strong connect between institutions of learning and the Society will provide the edifice for value-oriented learning. This, in turn, will foster sensitivity amongst students and inspire them to search for solutions to vexed socio-economic problems in their surroundings.
As I often mention,
“A door is much smaller compared to the house, a lock is much smaller compared to the door and a key is the smallest of all, but a key can open the entire house. Thus, a small and thoughtful solution can solve major problems.”
The onus is, therefore, on our institutions to produce men and women of substance and character and not merely competent professionals.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
17. I call upon the academic leadership of AUD to rededicate themselves to the ideals that our ancient civilization has bestowed upon us, as a nation. Our educational institutions should nurture students and scholars in a way that they develop into individuals, who are capable of addressing aspirations of their own, their family, the society, the nation and the world at large.
Friends,
18. India is uniquely placed to offer its own symbol of peace, democracy and concord to the world – the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s endeavour in placing वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम on the global agenda of future growth, is something that should guide our endeavours. I am confident that the graduates and researchers, who will walk out of the portals of this august institution today, will contribute substantively to realize the potential of India.
19. As the University expands, I am hopeful that the transformative enthusiasm, principles and values drawn from Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy, will enable you to reach more students from underprivileged backgrounds.
विश्वविद्यालय के leadership और faculty से मैं कहना चाहूँगा कि उनके ऊपर बेहद बड़ी जिम्मेदारी है। आपको अपने छात्रों के किरदार को संवारना है। क्योंकि चारित्र को पवित्र करने का कोई इत्र नहीं मिलता, अपने किरदार से इंसान खुद महकता है।
20. In this context, I eagerly anticipate a vibrant community of students and alumni in near future. I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all the graduating students, and I congratulate you on successfully completing your studies at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi.
My best wishes to everyone.
Jai Hind.