Governor stresses on strengthening industry-academia ties during 18th convocation of Dibrugarh University
18th convocation of Dibrugarh University
A Correspondent
Dibrugarh: The 18th convocation ceremony of Dibrugarh University was held on Monday at the university premises. Addressing the gathering, Governor of Assam and Chancellor of Dibrugarh University, Professor Jagdish Mukhi lauded the efforts of the University towards creating a positive, innovative and healthy atmosphere marked with knowledgeable and educated minds.
Prof Jagdish Mukhi said that Dibrugarh University must take a proactive role in strengthening industry-academia relationship so that the university could be a front runner in putting its students in gainful vocations and at the same time empowering them as entrepreneurs. While hailing Dibrugarh University in taking a crucial role in establishing important linkages with the industry leaders like Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL), Coal India Limited, OIL India, Assam OIL and ONGCL for inter-institutional and inter-disciplinary academic collaboration, he said that the University had taken proactive role in creating a symbiotic bond with a good number of national and international institutions. He also said that since Dibrugarh University was located in a special biodiversity hot-spot, teaching, learning and research need to be conducted in such a way that these natural resources were properly harnessed and utilized for the State’s growth and development.
He highlighted the initiative taken by the University to introduce courses on Boro, Deuri and Mising languages. Underscoring the importance of values like compassion and humanity in the modern world, he expressed hope that the postgraduates and graduates attending the event were equipped with the necessary temperament to make valuable contributions to the country.
The Governor said, “It gives me immense pleasure to note that Dibrugarh University has been very actively responding to the national call for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Responding to the visionary call of the Government of India to make the country sustainably green, clean and hygienic, Dibrugarh University is tied up with the State Government and UNICEF not only in cleanliness drives, but also offering academic programmes on health, hygiene and sanitation.”
Although the Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu could not grace the occasion due to unavoidable circumstances, his convocation address was read out on his behalf by Professor RN Yadav of Dibrugarh University. The address mentioned the need for educational institutions to be ready to face modern challenges, including technology-driven cyber warfare. Expressing concern over the fact that Indian universities did not feature among the top ranking global institutions, the speech emphasized the need for changing the scenario through concerted efforts.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of DU, Professor Ranjit Tamuli welcomed everyone to the event, and spoke on the achievements of the institution. During the convocation ceremony, two renowned persons of the state were conferred with D. Litt and D. Sc Degrees. Noted poet and art critic, Nilamani Phukan was conferred with honorary D. Litt (honoris causa) degree in recognition of his invaluable scholarly contribution to the fields of literature, academics and public life through the works of creative and critical writings.
On the other hand, Padma Shri Uddhab Bharali was conferred with D.Sc. (honoris causa) degree in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of Science, Innovation and Social Welfare through the works of innovation and invention. Besides, the convocation conferred degrees upon the eligible candidates who qualified for their degrees of the University during the period from November 1, 2017 to October 30, 2018. In total, 114 PhD degrees, 78 M. Phil degrees and 1,598 postgraduate candidates were conferred with their respective degrees. Also, undergraduate degrees were conferred upon 8,816 candidates in absentia who have completed their course of studies.
Also read: Assam news