Guru Nanak Dev University successfully organised its 50th Golden Jubilee Convocation on Thursday at the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre, Guru Nanak Dev University Campus with great academic fervor and dignity.
The historic convocation was graced by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, who delivered an inspiring Convocation Address encouraging students to serve the nation with knowledge, innovation and ethical values.
The ceremony was held in the august presence of the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Chancellor, GNDU, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria. The Hon’ble President and other distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, who in his address highlighted the glorious legacy of the University, its academic achievements and its commitment to excellence in education, research and innovation.
On this landmark occasion, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa) upon two eminent personalities Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Rajya Sabha, visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist for his outstanding contribution to society and nation-building and Sh. Jasvir Gill, Chief Executive Officer, Alert Enterprise Inc., California (USA), for his remarkable global leadership in the technology sector. On this occasion, 17 medals, 176 PG/UG Degrees and 258 Ph.D degrees were awarded.
Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu expressed delight that Guru Nanak Dev University was founded amid the 500th birth celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, with his profound teachings and ethos serving as its enduring compass.
She described Guru Nanak Dev Ji's wisdom as our collective legacy, his insights and principles lighting the route to universal human flourishing. By weaving these into our daily lives, she added, we unlock remedies for countless societal ailments.
The President recalled that Guru Nanak Dev Ji championed equality for women in all spheres of life. She took particular pride in GNDU's alignment with this vision through proactive women's empowerment, as reflected in the strong presence of female achievers claiming degrees and accolades during the ceremony.
She asserted that empowering women to advance with unbridled assurance is essential for societal harmony and national vitality, calling on all to champion this cause. She appreciated the achievements of the University and credited its success to Faculty, student and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Karamjeet Singh. She also expressed her happiness over the increasing number of girl students in education.
The President emphasized that upon finishing their formal education, students would set out on diverse paths. Some would contribute to government or private sectors, others would delve into advanced studies or research, while many might launch their own enterprises or careers in education.
Though each domain demands unique qualifications and competencies, certain timeless attributes remain vital and beneficial for success across all arenas. These include an unquenchable thirst and passion for lifelong learning; unwavering commitment to ethical principles, integrity, and truthfulness amid challenges and trials; the boldness to welcome transformation; the resolve to draw lessons from setbacks and press on; a commitment to collective effort and partnership; prudent management of time and assets; and harnessing expertise and talents not for personal profit, but for the broader welfare of community and country.
She affirmed that these virtues would not only shape them into exemplary professionals but also conscientious citizens.The President reminded students that education transcends mere employment serving as a profound tool for societal and national advancement.
She noted that they carry a profound obligation to the community that nurtured their growth, and one meaningful way to honor this is by extending a hand to those sidelined in the march of progress. The President highlighted India's extraordinary strides in technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit over the past decade.
Today, a wealth of startup prospects spans from agritech to artificial intelligence, and from defence to space exploration, all ripe for the youth's embrace. She urged higher education bodies to propel this momentum further through fostering cutting-edge research, deepening ties between academia and industry, and sparking innovations that address pressing social needs.
The President underscored that the coming two decades are pivotal in realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. India's tomorrow hinges on its youth imbued with scientific curiosity, acting with accountability, and dedicating themselves to selfless service. She implored educational establishments to weave these ideals deeply into their curricula and ethos.
Likewise, she encouraged the graduating students to align their chosen vocations so that every endeavor bolsters the nation's strength and upholds the essence of humanity.In his address, Hon’ble Governor, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria said that at the Golden Jubilee Convocation described it as a profound fortune for the education sector that President Droupadi Murmu graced the occasion as the chief guest, bestowing her blessings on the graduates through her exemplary dedication, talent, and perseverance.
He highlighted how, through the President's presence, numerous talented individuals particularly women, who now outnumber men in higher education achievements, were honored, underscoring the nation's pride in its daughters' remarkable contributions to the country.
Recalling that former President V.V. Giri laid the foundation stone of the University, and today, on the 50th Convocation, Hon’ble President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, honors this day.Expressing gratitude on behalf of all students for her acceptance of the invitation, he extended heartfelt thanks.
Reflecting on GNDU's illustrious journey, Sh. Kataria emphasized that over 50 years, it has educated 16 lac & 13 lac students, with its graduates & postgraduates and 3900 Ph.Ds reaching every corner of the country and beyond, embodying selfless service to society—proclaiming education as the noblest form of human endeavor.
In his address at the 50th Golden Jubilee Convocation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh expressed profound delight in dignifying the occasion further through the esteemed presence of Hon’ble President of India, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and distinguished guests. He said that over the years, Guru Nanak Dev University has emerged as one of India's premier public universities, proudly holding Category 1 status with the highest NAAC score of 3.85 (A++).
Responsively adapting to evolving strategic needs, the university has pioneered AI-based and job-oriented programs, bolstered skill development and entrepreneurship education, and incubated innovation that has spawned over 50 startups; simultaneously, substantial investments in digital infrastructure, the rollout of e-office and ERP systems, fortified open and distance learning modalities, and deepened global academic collaborations have positioned GNDU at the forefront of modern higher education.
Equally resolute in its social mandate, GNDU remains steadfastly committed to responsibility via its Green Campus environmental initiatives, animal welfare endeavors, and a 5% supernumerary reservation for students from rural and border areas, thereby championing inclusive access to quality education.
Yet, what truly defines this venerable institution is its profound spiritual ethos, enshrined in the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose timeless philosophy elevates the human spirit to the heart of all learning—reminding us that knowledge bereft of humility and scholarship devoid of compassion is forever incomplete.
Echoing this eternal wisdom, as articulated by the eminent poet and founders of this university, the true essence of education transcends the mere conferral of degrees to forge better human beings.Students were awarded degrees and diplomas in various disciplines, marking a proud milestone in their academic journey.
The ceremony was attended by Prof. H.S. Saini, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof. K.S. Chahal, Registrar, senior university officials, faculty members and a large number of distinguished guests.The Hon’ble President presented Gold Medals to the meritorious students of Guru Nanak Dev University in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.
The dignified ceremony celebrated excellence, dedication and perseverance of the young scholars.The Golden Jubilee Convocation reflected the University’s continued commitment to academic excellence, research innovation and holistic student development, strengthening GNDU’s position as one of the leading universities of the country.