Governor Deka ,CM Sai attend second convocation ceremony of Hemchand Yadav University

Raipur(Team Newsbuddy) : Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the second convocation ceremony of Hemchand Yadav University, held at the BIT Durg auditorium on August 7. A total of 68 students received the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, and 48 students were awarded gold medals for securing top ranks in their respective classes.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Deka expressed his joy at being part of the university’s second convocation. He congratulated the Doctor of Philosophy recipients and gold medalists for their outstanding academic performances and extended his congratulations to the teachers, parents, and guardians who supported the students throughout their academic journey. He highlighted that the Chhattisgarh Government is implementing the National Education Policy 2020 from the current academic year 2024-25, emphasizing that NEP 2020 focuses on both education and skill development. This policy aims to prepare students for entrepreneurship and to become ‘job creators’ rather than ‘job seekers.’

Governor Deka stressed the importance of continuous learning, developing soft skills, and staying updated with the latest knowledge in their chosen fields. He encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence in their professions while also focusing on becoming good human beings.

Governor Ramen Deka quoted Nelson Mandela, saying, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. He advised them to work for the betterment of society and contribute to innovation, entrepreneurship, and startups, which are crucial in today’s world. He encouraged the students to view this moment as a transition from a protected environment to one where continuous learning from the world is essential.

He emphasised that while the world may change drastically, fundamental values like honesty, truth, respect for self and others, hard work, and personal integrity remain constant. The Governor stressed that the graduates must uphold these core values and that development cannot be sustained without social equity. He praised the university for its exemplary commitment since its establishment in 2015. He highlighted the expectation from young students in an era where innovation drives social change, urging them to always strive to give back more to society than they have received. The Governor commended the university’s progress in various fields, including research, NSS, NCC, Youth Red Cross, sports, cultural, and extracurricular activities. He noted the recent achievements of the university’s students in NSS programs, youth festivals, and sports in 2023-24. The Governor also lauded the university’s five MOUs with national-level institutions as noteworthy accomplishments.

Governor Deka expressed his delight at the excellent performance of colleges affiliated with the university during the NAAC accreditation process. He urged the graduates to use their education to give voice to the voiceless in society and work towards uplifting the oppressed. The Governor extended his best wishes to all the students being honoured for their future endeavours.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, addressing the ceremony, announced the construction of a University Teaching Department (UTD) and an auditorium in the university’s under-construction building, responding to the Vice Chancellor’s request. He highlighted that the Chhattisgarh Government has implemented the National Education Policy 2020 across the state from the academic session 2024-25. He stated that NEP-2020 will allow students to choose subjects according to their interests and enable them to secure good jobs or establish their businesses based on their skills. He mentioned Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s goal of a developed India by 2047, stating that Chhattisgarh is actively working towards contributing to this objective. He emphasised that everyone needs to contribute according to their capabilities for a developed India. Sai noted that the Chhattisgarh Government is striving to make significant progress in the fields of education, health, and environment, citing the establishment of PM SHRI schools as a prime example of these efforts.

Chief Minister Sai expressed satisfaction with the progress of the PM SHRI Yojana in Chhattisgarh, noting that 193 primary and 18 higher secondary schools are being developed in the first phase, with an additional 52 schools approved in the third phase. He assured that the State Government, in coordination with the Central Government, would elevate Chhattisgarh to the ranks of developed states. The Chief Minister highlighted the achievements of Hemchand Yadav University in its nine years since its establishment. He mentioned the near-completion of the university’s new building in Potiakala, Durg, funded under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) Yojana with Rs. 15 crore as grant. Shri Sai outlined various initiatives taken by the state government for students’ welfare, including the successful conduct of the Chhattisgarh State Eligibility Test 2024 after a five-year gap, plans to fill vacant assistant professor positions in government colleges, and regular competitive exams being held by VYAPAM.

Sai further stated that the construction of an auditorium at Durg’s Science College campus will be completed soon. He praised the university’s affiliated colleges for their NAAC accreditations. The Chief Minister also commended the university for having over a thousand registered Doctor of Philosophy scholars, considering it a record. He congratulated the university community for their students’ national-level successes in research and academic activities.

Chief Minister Sai announced that the Chhattisgarh Government has extended the maximum age limit relaxation for government service by five years until 2028, benefiting educated youth in the state. He praised Hemchand Yadav University for its leading role in higher education and emphasised that the true significance of convocation ceremonies lies in graduates contributing to nation-building as responsible citizens. The Chief Minister congratulated all graduates, postgraduates, Doctor of degree holders, and gold medalists, along with their parents and teachers.

Dr. Atul Kothari, Secretary of the Shiksha Sanskruti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi, delivered the convocation address. Vice Chancellor Dr. Aruna Palta presented the welcome report and administered the convocation oath to the students. MLAs Lalit Chandrakar, Gajendra Yadav, and Rikesh Sen, along with Dr. Atul Kothari, Vice Chancellor Dr. Aruna Palta, Registrar Bhupendra Kuldip, local representatives, university professors, parents, and a large number of students were present.