SRM University-AP celebrates its 1st convocation
On a December evening, SRM University-AP observed its 1st convocation conferring degrees to 294 undergraduates. Dignitaries across the world joined together to embrace the special moment on December 1 at the SRM University-AP campus in a hybrid mode. Dr Andrew D Hamilton, president of New York University, graced the event as the chief guest. An honorary doctorate was awarded to the guest of honour, Dr Sethuraman Panchanathan, the director of National Science Foundation, USA.
Dr Hamilton expressed his greatest admiration towards the new university and its first batch of students. Being associated with established heritage universities all his life, he expressed his utmost joy to be a part of a nascent university full of promises and potential to create a long and illustrious history. The achievements of the past three years are an active example of the limitless possibilities that SRM University-AP nurtures. He also gave his opinion saying that this era is in critical need of higher education. Similar to the story of Robert Louis Stevenson, universities have the responsibility to ‘punch through darkness’, and SRM University-AP must be one of the vanguards. “It is extraordinary to see so many laurels to be brought by the students amid COVID-19 and a worldwide pandemic,” opined Dr Hamilton extending an open invitation to SRMAP fraternity to visit NYU and be a part of it.
In his speech, Dr Panchanathan expressed his sincere gratitude upon receiving the honorary doctorate. In his advice to the graduating batch, he presented a mantra of sic C’s to follow in life to be worthy of honour and respect. First, a great journey begins with ‘curiousity’. To propel towards progress, you must foster curiousity and never cease asking questions. Second, you must always find the ‘courage’ to stay positive. Trust your abilities and embrace your failures making those into stepping stones towards success. Third, true success can never be achieved alone. It is always a ‘collaborative’ game. Fourth, effective ‘communication’ is the key. Get people excited about what you are doing and accelerate the development with your expertise. Fifth, ‘commitment’ is the essence of success. Be a life-long learner and dedicated to excellence. Lastly, ‘compassion’ is the factor to bind all these together. Dr Panchanathan encouraged the graduands to learn these mantras by heart, and success will find them in life.
President of SRM University, Dr P Sathyanarayanan, mentioned that the education system in India is going through a transformation with the newly enacted National Education Policy-2020. SRM University-AP aims to be the vanguard of this transition. After the successful introduction of academics, SRMAP embarks on an even more ambitious challenge of extending its research wings to add value to society. “I am proud to confess that despite being a nascent university, SRM University-AP has created a niche for itself through its research projects funded by the Government of India and reputed industry giants,” asserted Sathyanarayanan, congratulating the faculty for their incessant support and guidance to the students. “Above all, I extend my love and appreciation to my dear graduands who are joined here to receive their degrees,” added Dr Sathyanarayanan.