- Varsity to reach new heights in coming years: VC Mehta
Leh, July 05: Age is no bar for education and there is no substitute for hard work, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (DR) BD Mishra (Retd) said as he underlined qualities such as observant eyes, perceptive mind, innovative ideas, result-oriented actions, perseverance and converting challenges into opportunities as the guiding lights for students.
Mishra was speaking at the First Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ladakh in a grand event held at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra in Leh the previous day, in which 493 students, including 240 under-graduate and 253 post-graduates, were conferred with degrees.
Congratulating the awardees, distinction holders and medal winners, the LG stated that he is pleased to be a part of the auspicious and momentous occasion of the first Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ladakh. He commended the girl students for being in more numbers than boys and for taking the lead in academics, which, in turn, would shape society and also benefit the posterity. He also congratulated the assistant professors/professors and the parents for supporting students in their studies.
Commending the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ladakh for organising the first Convocation Ceremony of the University, the LG stated that the convocation is not only a ceremony but an academic process and procedure which has its own sanctity that must be done on time and periodically, which the Vice Chancellor has done meritoriously.
He stated that a university can achieve glory through the combined approach of teachers, students and supporting staff. He also stated that certain derogatory actions can cut the path of the progress of a university such as lawlessness and agitation on the campus and damage and breakages.
The LG, who is also the Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, stated that the University campus should be peaceful, placid and conducive for studies and the need to prepare the academic calendar beforehand so that the management can implement it.
He also stated that the University must ensure that classes run at an optimum level, exams are conducted in a free and fair manner, results are declared on time and the admission of students is conducted on time to improve the ranking of the University for the benefit of students. He highlighted the need to follow the UGC norms and strike a balance of teaching faculty between locals and outsiders for the overall benefit of students.
The LG informed about asking the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ladakh to give a pamphlet on the Fundamental Duties enshrined in Article 51(A) of the Indian Constitution and asked the students to understand, assimilate, practice and teach others to follow the Fundamental Duties.
Stating that age is no bar for education, the LG also stated that there is no substitute for hard work and shared a few qualities that work as guiding lights for students: observant eyes, perceptive mind, innovative ideas, result-oriented actions, perseverance and converting challenges into opportunities.
The LG also advised the students and parents not to become job seekers and instead upgrade their skills and become job providers through start-ups.
The LG stated that teachers must possess knowledge about the subject that they shall teach to students, prepare the lesson to be taught, show punctuality and self-discipline and become involved and committed to helping in the growth of the personality of students.
The LG awarded Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) to Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof (Dr) Ajay Kumar Sood; Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in the field of Innovation to Chewag Norphel, also known as the Ice Man of India and Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in the field of Literature to Akhon Asgar Ali Basharat.
The LG also awarded all 13 toppers of different undergraduate and postgraduate courses for the academic years 2020 and 2021.
Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India, Prof (Dr) Ajay Kumar Sood, congratulated the graduating students and medal winners and expressed his happiness to see gender balance among the medal winners.
He stated that the convocation ceremony holds a special place in the hearts of students, teachers and faculty as it marks the culmination of years of their hard work. Expressing hope to see the University of Ladakh becoming one of the best universities in the country, Prof (Dr) Ajay highlighted four pillars that make a country great: education, science and technology, innovation and societal values.
Prof S K Mehta in his address, congratulated students, parents, and welcomed Chief Guest, Guests, Parents and media-personnel.
He expressed immense pride, stating that this convocation marks a historic milestone for our university.
Prof Mehta also emphasized that we are confident our graduates will make significant contributions to society. The Vice-Chancellor expressed aspirations to elevate the University to new heights in the upcoming years, extending best wishes to all students for a brighter future and offering congratulations.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor, UoL, Prof SK Mehta welcomed the guests. A short film on different courses and departments of University of Ladakh was also screened on the occasion.
His Eminence, Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche; CEC/Chairman, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon; Executive Councillors/Councillors of LAHDC Leh/Kargil; Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India, Prof (Dr) Ajay Kumar Sood; Advisor to the LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS; former MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgail; administrative secretaries; Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, Padma Angmo; former VC, UoL, C Phunsog, IAS (Retd); Prof Talat Ahmad; members of University Council; members of political, religious organisation; HODs; government officials; officials from University of Ladakh; students and parents were present during the Convocation Ceremony.
