16th Convocation of University of Jammu for the year 2014 was held here at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, today. Mr. Hamid Ansari, Vice-President of India was the Chief Guest on the occasion.Governor N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the University conferred the Degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) of the University of Jammu upon Mr. Justice T.S Thakur, Chief Justice of India.The Chancellor awarded 104 degrees including 57 Ph.D Degrees, 88 Medals, Cash Awards and Medals at the 16thConvocation of the University.Ansari, the Vice President of India, delivered the 16th Convocation Address.Addressing the gathering, the Governor expressed personal thanks to the Vice President for agreeing to address the 16th Convocation of this University. He wished all the passing out scholars the best of luck in their future lives, and complimented and congratulated the students who had won medals and awards. He hoped that at least some among those who belong to the science stream will pursue scientific research projects, particularly such projects which will help to resolve some of our day to day problems.
The Governor particularly congratulated the highest medal winner at today’s convocation, the Chief Justice of India, who is a very proud product of this University. He said that in Justice Thakur’s presence here today, and in the University honouring him, an opportunity has been provided for the entire student community not only of this University but the entire student community in J&K, to be inspired by the outstanding achievements of the Chief Justice of India. His work, contribution and attainments, particularly in the arena of law and jurisprudence, should serve as a shining example and inspire our youth to aspire for the highest goals, the Governor said.The Governor said that the day of the convocation is truly an historic and important occasion for the passing out students; the convocation marks the culmination, the end of a crucial phase of their lives in which they were required to work hard, imbibe knowledge and pass examinations. This day, he said, also marks the beginning of a new journey for those who have completed their studies, attained their degrees and are now striving to become teachers, go to other institutions in India or abroad for higher studies or embarking on their own initiatives. Also, it is important landmark for the University, particularly for the members of the faculty, it provides joy and satisfaction to the teachers whose efforts in the preceding year have borne fruit and their pupils have won laurels and done their teachers proud, he said.
While wishing them high success in all their future ventures the Governor hoped that the former students of this University would make the best possible use of the knowledge and skills which they had gained during the period of their studies to contribute, in whatever manner possible, towards the resolution of the varied challenges which face us across the length and breadth of this country. He appealed to the alumni of the University to take interest in spreading literacy wherever they chose to live and work.The Governor said that another expectation that he had of the passing out students is that, in whichever arena they worked, they would never compromise their integrity and stoutly uphold the ethical and moral values which they have imbibed from their families and during their educational career.On another front, he said that he very much hoped that the former students of this University would find it possible to particularly think about and do whatever they can to enhance the welfare of the economically disadvantaged and socially depressed segments of our society who still comprise a rather significant percentage of our total population.
The Governor observed that India is a large country with a billion and a quarter population which is still growing at a fast pace. The Governments in the States and at the Centre have the responsibility of taking all necessary steps for speedily alleviating poverty and securing the socio-economic growth of our people. Towards the attainment of this objective, the Government of India and the Governments in the States are implementing a large number of developmental programmes and schemes. He urged that the alumni of this University who join government service, with the State or Central governments, will have the opportunity of implementing some of the governmental socio-economic growth and development programmes.The Governor said that those who decided to work outside the governmental sector should make a very special effort of contributing to the protection of our environment which is already facing grave threats with the speedily advancing phenomenon of climate change and global warming.
He said that in the arena of environmental protection, all of us, wherever we work, can contribute our mite towards promoting cleanliness and sanitation, proper collection and disposal of garbage and, wherever possible, particularly lending support to see that schemes for rain water harvesting and exploitation of solar energy are efficiently implemented.The Governor observed that the activities of the University had expanded physically and also added new academic programmes and research projects, as it has grown from year to year.Earlier, Dr. R.D. Sharma, Acting Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, presented the Vice Chancellor’s Report. He highlighted the achievements of the University and its future plan of action. He thanked the Governor for taking keen interest in the growth and development of the University.The proceedings of the Convocation commenced with Prof. Keshav Sharma, Registrar, Jammu University, seeking permission of the Chancellor and declaring the Special Convocation Open.Present on the occasion were members of the Faculty, students, parents of the students and many distinguished guests.