President of India Pranab Mukherjee said that India is the fourth largest consumer of energy in the world, after US, China and Russia. To sustain high levels of consumption, the energy resources are inadequate. Energy Intensity, which is a measure of energy efficiency of an economy, indicates that India uses more energy to produce one unit of GDP, than nations like UK, Germany, Japan and US. To achieve a high growth rate while meeting the energy needs of the population poses a challenge to India. It calls for higher energy production and devising measures that promote energy efficiency. India must explore alternative energy models to reduce dependence on conventional sources. He expressed these views after awarding gold medals and merit certificates to students of University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) at its 11th convocation on Monday.
Addressing the students, Mukherjee said, “Convocation is a very important event in academic calendar as it marks the culmination of the formative phase of an individual. It also signals the beginning of another phase a long journey with a much bigger task ahead. I congratulate all the graduating students who have worked hard to achieve success in rigorous streams”.
Mukherjee appreciated various models especially the multi fuel “Neelam Chullha” which has also been patented by UPES and complimented UPES for providing competent manpower to the country.
On the occasion, a total of 1,346 students were awarded degrees out of which 10 were awarded gold medals by the President. After awarding institutional and industry awards to the students, Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi said, “Industry specific education is greatly needed in a developing country like India.”
After awarding silver medals to 23 meritorious students, the Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said, “In 10 years, UPES has left a footprint on international arena in the field of imparting industry aligned education.”
Former CM Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, cabinet ministers Dinesh Aggarwal and Amrita Rawat; Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar, DGP Satyavrat and other government officers were also present on the occasion.