LG Sandhu, CM Rekha confer degrees at GGSIPU’s 18th convocation
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday attended the 18th convocation of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), where they conferred degrees on graduating students.
A total of 26,649 degrees were awarded at the convocation, including 22,932 undergraduate, 3,582 postgraduate, 11 MPhil, 124 PhD degrees, 11 MPhils, 2,873 postgraduate, 22,455 undergraduate, and 477 MBBS degrees.
Notably, women accounted for 70 per cent of PhD recipients this year. In addition, 76 gold medals and six memorial awards were presented to meritorious students. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said a convocation mark not just the end of an academic journey but the beginning of thousands of new ones that contribute to nation-building.
He noted that young graduates are stepping into a world being rapidly reshaped by artificial intelligence and sustainable innovation and urged them to look beyond textbook knowledge.
Addressing the convocation, the chief minister said the university has “shown direction to the country, the world, and society”. She said graduating students would not only advance their careers but also contribute ideas and vision to take India forward. The chief minister said the ceremony reflects years of hard work, discipline and dedication by students. “Today’s graduates are the real drivers of ‘Viksit Bharat’. Your talent and capability will take the country to new heights on the global stage,” she said, encouraging students to use their education not only for personal growth but also for the larger good of society.
Among those present were Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr) Mahesh Verma and Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi, along with students, parents, faculty members and other dignitaries.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that education must equip students with adaptability, critical thinking and the courage to innovate. Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, he said the country needs problem-solvers who can tackle complex challenges in areas such as urban development, public health and digital governance.
Invoking the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh, he described knowledge as a powerful instrument of justice and service and urged students to treat their education as a responsibility towards society and the nation. He expressed confidence that the future of Delhi and India is in safe hands, with young people capable of driving meaningful change.
The Chief Minister also praised the university’s work in emerging fields such as AI, robotics, data science and design innovation.
Highlighting the Atal Incubation Centre, she said the university has supported over 170 startups, helping young people move from being job seekers to job creators.
Outlining the government’s priorities, she said Delhi’s education budget has risen to Rs 19,326 crore this year. “Our aim is not just to make schools smarter but to ensure world-class facilities in higher education as well,” she said, adding that more than 2,200 students are being provided free coaching for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET and CLAT. Mahesh Verma, GGSIPU vice-chancellor, presented the university report and said a total of 26,649 degrees were conferred, including 124 PhDs, 11 MPhils, 2,873 postgraduate, 22,455 undergraduate, and 477 MBBS degrees.
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, who was scheduled to attend, could not make it due to personal commitments, officials said. He congratulated the graduating students through a video message.
