12th annual convocation | Nitte (DU)

Mangaluru, Nov 5: “At present, the country is facing major challenges in almost all the spheres of life. Therefore, it is the responsibility of young graduates to find proper solutions for all the problems. For this, our new graduates should form powerful teams so as to enable the collective wisdom to guide them in the path of success. Let us decide to dedicate ourselves to make this Nation prosperous on the lines of other developed countries. A day will sure come when India will lead the whole world,” said Prof Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, chairman, University Grants Commission, New Delhi, while delivering the convocation address at the 12th annual convocation held at Nitte Deemed to be University, Mangaluru. 

He further added, “Among the youngsters between the age range of 16 and 25, only 10% are blessed to complete higher education, as per statistics. For having figured one among them, you should be ever grateful to your parents, teachers and the dedicated Institutes like Nitte University which mentored you all these years. It is certain that the future ahead will be packed with various challenges. So, it is your responsibility now to remain creative and innovative to become problem solvers and solution providers. I would like to stress that there is no need to worry about failures which you may face in the path of progress. Always remember Adi Shankara’s four principles – Patana (Learning), Manana (Remembering), Chintana (Critical thinking) and Sankeertana (Practicing forever). These four principles should become inseparable part of your consciousness. I request you to form the team of experts, provide able leadership to the followers and standby them during the setbacks also. Let Bhageeratha Maharshi be our role model. The story of Bhageeratha’s great efforts to bring Mother Ganga to the Earth for the welfare of mankind will inspire all of us forever. Then, no setbacks or failures will stop us in our eternal journey. Let us pledge ourselves today to become Bhageerathas for the development of our great country.” 

N Vinaya Hegde, chancellor, Nitte Deemed to be University presided over the function. In his presidential address he said, “It is the duty of any institution to make the students to understand the difficulties of rural people. Our Nitte University has taken a step forward in this regard by establishing 21 Satellite Health Centers in the rural parts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada Districts so as to enable our future doctors to know the pulse of the poor and underprivileged. The Nitte Education Trust almost established its institutions initially in the rural areas. Of course, now in course of time they transformed into cities due to development.” 

Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree was conferred upon Prof T S Rao, former senior advisor, Ministry of Science & Technology, government of India and distinguished scientist of the country. While conferring the degree, Prof Rao was applauded for his excellent contribution in the field of bio-technology and his prominent role in implementing the National Polio Eradication programme. Responding to the honour, Dr Rao said that this would inspire the scientists like him to do innovations, particularly in the field of health sciences so as to make India proud for its contributions for the welfare of the whole universe. 

A total of 994 students, including 21 doctoral, 324 post graduates and 2 fellowship students from diverse disciplines like Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Architecture, Media & Communication and Biological Sciences received their degrees. Achievers from various programmes were honoured with the university gold medals, endowment gold medals and merit certificates. In total, 20 gold medals, including 9 endowment medals and 11 university medals were presented to the distinguished achievers. 

Prof Dr Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, vice chancellor, Nitte Deemed to be University welcomed the gathering. In his welcome address he said that it is a proud moment for Nitte Deemed to be University as it was ranked 75th among Indian Universities by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in the year 2022 and has been accredited with A+ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India (NAAC). 

Prof Dr M Shantharam Shetty, pro-chancellor (Hospital Management); Vishal Hegde, pro-chancellor (admin); Prof Dr M S Moodithaya, pro vice-chancellor; Prof Dr Harsha Halahalli, registrar; Prof Dr Prasad B Shetty, controller of examinations were present.