Euphoria is in the air at the Utkal University campus here with just a few days left for the visit of President of India Pranab Mukherjee to address the students and staff members on the occasion of its 45th convocation scheduled to be held on April 25.
This will be the second time that the university will host the President of India. Former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan had addressed the university convocation in 1963.
Expressing happiness over the President’s visit, PG Council chairman PK Mishra said, “It is really a matter of pride and honour for us. With the 45th convocation, the university campus is also completing its 50 years. A souvenir would be released on the occasion.”
He also maintained that the university authority along with the State Government is taking initiatives to make the President’s visit a success. Works for repair of roads, beautification of the campus and proper lighting facilities have already started, he added.
Regarding the violence and clash repeatedly happening in the university campus, Mishra said the university authority has already apprised the State Government and the Commissionerate Police about the security measures. “Every possible arrangement will be made to prevent any untoward incident inside the campus,” assured Mishra.
This year, as many as 100 gold medals, 15 cash prizes and 226 PhD awards would be distributed among the students of the university and its 362 affiliated colleges, said Controller of Examination SK Das.
“I am really excited to see the President addressing us in our campus,” said student Sumitra Mallick.Delighted over the scheduled visit of the President, Tanmayee, another student, has also cancelled his home trip on April 25. “I had planned to visit my native village on April 24. But I have cancelled it given the visit of the President,” she said.
There are nearly 3,000 students in the post-graduate departments atVani Vihar. This is the largest affiliating university in the countrywith 267 affiliated general colleges, 15 law colleges and six medical and pharmacy colleges.