Celebration of Academic Excellence

University confers degrees to 1,746 graduates in its 24th Convocation Ceremony

In a grand celebration of academic excellence and future promise, the University of Hyderabad held its XXIV Convocation in the Golden Jubilee year on October 1, 2024 at the Brahmakumaris, Global Peace Auditorium, marking a significant milestone for 1,746 graduating students including 236 PhD awardees and 164 Medal winners. The air was filled with a palpable sense of achievement as the auditorium hummed with the excitement of students, their proud parents and faculty in the presence of the distinguished guests, officers and staff.

Professor T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), was the Chief Guest at the event; Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana and Chief Rector of the University, was the Guest of Honour; Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, Chancellor of the University, and Professor Basuthkar Jagadeeshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor of UoH, Dr. Devesh Nigam, the Registrar of UoH ; Shri Thukaram Porika, In-charge Controller of Examinations of UoH and important functionaries from different academic units at the university too were part of the event.

The ceremony commenced with Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, Chancellor of the University conferring the Chancellor’s Awards to five young distinguished teachers of the university for their exceptional contribution to teaching and research in their respective fields.

They include

Dr. Prakash Prabhu, Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences

Dr. Pratap Kollu, Centre for Advanced Studies in Electronics Science (CASEST), School of Physics

Dr. K V Jovan Jose, School of Chemistry

Dr. Asima Jena, Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences

Dr. Ranjit Kumar Dehury, School of Management Studies

Professor B.J. Rao, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad highlighted the institution’s commitment towards progressive education. The Vice-Chancellor announced the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for postgraduate students starting from 2024 whereas for undergraduate students it was implemented from 2022. His report also showcased notable increase in the research output, with faculty publications rising from one paper per year per person to an impressive three per person.

Justice L Narasimha Reddy, the Chancellor of the University, addressed the gathering with words of wisdom and encouragement. He congratulated the faculty for their accolades and commended the students for their persistence, resilience and dedication throughout their academic journey. He emphasized the graduates’ role as torchbearers of the university’s legacy, urging them to embrace entrepreneurship and contribute to India’s growing global influence. He stressed on the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and fostering inclusivity, aligning with the university’s core mission.

The Chief Guest, Professor T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), delivered an inspiring message to the graduates. He congratulated them and acknowledged the university’s golden jubilee milestone. Professor Sitharam highlighted the collective effort of students, teachers, and parents in the educational journey. He emphasized the importance of upskilling in today’s rapidly evolving world, particularly in the face of advancing technologies like AI, generative AI, technological advancements etc. He encouraged graduates to be ‘job creators rather than job seekers’, underlining India’s position at the global forefront and its potential to become the world’s third-largest economy in the coming years.

Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana and Chief Rector of the University, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the balance between academic excellence and social responsibility. Drawing inspiration from great Indian thinkers, he reminded graduates of their potential to drive positive change in the society. Quoting Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he said, “You have to dream before your dreams come true,” and stressed on the importance of character development alongside knowledge. The Chief Rector highlighted that education should ultimately produce empowered individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society.

The ceremony ushered in an atmosphere of jubilant festivity throughout the auditorium. The venue and its vicinity buzzed with excitement as students hailing from diverse parts of the nation exchanged warm hugs, hearty congratulations, and captured memorable moments with their peers and loved ones. The entire proceedings were streamed live on the University’s official YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to partake in the celebration (www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTO7-4Sf_XE)

– Contributed by Aravinda Chenji, School of Management Studies