let us keep ‘excellence’ as our goal and seek everyday to challenge ourselves to learn something new, advised Governor SC Jamir while addressing students and teachers at the 46th Convocation ceremony of the Utkal University here on Saturday. “As the Utkal University celebrates the successes and achievements of its students, I would like students, faculties and administration to strive for excellence by doing even better to what they do now,” Dr Jamir, who is also the Chancellor of Universities, said.
The Governor further said that building a knowledge-based society is the panacea to the vertical and horizontal integration and development of India in the 21st century. “I strongly believe that the knowledge economy is our best route for success and prosperity,” he said.
Jamir emphasised upon skill development which creates employment opportunities for youths and production of effective manpower to build a strong nation. He asked the Vice-Chancellors of all universities of the State to include vocational training at all levels of education if not as a compulsory credit but as an optional or hobby activity.
In the absence of chief guest of the function and Chief Justice of India Hl Dattu, Chief Justice of the Odisha High Court Amitava Roy read out the former’s speech that advised the students to be brave and courageous to serious challenges in life. “You will face serious challenges in your journey, but with courage and perseverance you shall be able to overcome them, and you will make your alma mater proud,” said Dattu’s message.
Six noted personalities were conferred with honoris causa while 376 students and scholars got PhD (263), Dlitt (4), DSc (2) and gold medals (107) on the occasion. Noted Odia music director Prafulla Kar, freedom fighter and litterateur Prafulla Das, entrepreneur Subrata Bagchi, singer Chittaranjan Jena, founder of a US-based pro-biotic company SK Das and scientist Yogesh Chandra Pati were the recipients of honouris causa. Among others, university Vice-Chancellor Prof Asoka Kumar Das and members of the Senate, Syndicate and Academic Council were present.