493 students, Honoris Causa degrees conferred during occasion
Leh, July 04, 2024: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (DR) BD Mishra (Retd) attended the First Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ladakh as the chief guest in a grand event held at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra in Leh 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 HLG 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 HLG 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 HLG, 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 HLG 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 HLG 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 HLG also advised the students and parents not to become job seekers and instead upgrade their skills and become job providers through start-ups.
The HLG stated that teachers must possess knowledge about the subject that he/she 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 HLG 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 Shri Chewag Norphel, also known as the Ice Man of India and Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in the field of Literature to Shri Akhon Asgar Ali Basharat. The HLG 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.
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 HLG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS; former MP Ladakh, Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgail; administrative secretaries; Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education, Smt Padma Angmo; former VC, UoL, Shri 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.
