Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood has called upon youth to push the frontiers of knowledge and translate their knowledge towards societal development. He was delivering the 103rd Convocation address at Banaras Hindu University’s Swatantrata Bhawan as he called upon the varsity to come forward and contribute in evolving technologies. Prof. Sood said that the world today looks at India with admiration and expectations that it would contribute to solving global issues, such as clean energy, water remediation, clean environment and sustainable growth.
Prof. Sood said that education, science, technology and innovation, with the involvement of the entire society, are the four key pillars to a strong nation. However, he also pointed out that these pillars have functioned in silos for long and it was high time that the silos were broken, calling for deeper engagement among all four of them.
Prof. Sood said that education, science, technology and innovation, with the involvement of the entire society, are the four key pillars to a strong nation. However, he also pointed out that these pillars have functioned in silos for long and it was high time that the silos were broken, calling for deeper engagement among all four of them.
Exhorting for an approach to achieve disruptive rather than incremental growth, Prof. Sood said we must move forward with ideas that are disruptive and transformative. Invoking BHU’s revered founder Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in underlining the role of science, Prof. Sood said that basic science of today will be translated sooner or later into technologies.
He said that India realizes that it has to be at par with global competition in digital technologies and the contemporary areas of focus, and hence, the government of India has conceptualized National missions on many such technologies like Cyber Physical System, Semiconductors, and Artificial Intelligence over and above the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. Prof. Sood said that Government of India is implementing Quantum Mission, given the potential this technology has in bringing great transformation in the times to come. He urged Banaras Hindu University to look at this evolving technology and see how the varsity can make its contribution.
Prof. Sood said that the motto of all universities should be to promote innovation in teaching, learning and research and cross pollinate new ideas,new technologies and new world views. He said that NEP 2020 is a step towards creating an ignited work force responsive to regional, national and global needs in tune with the requirements of academia, industry and business.
The chief guest discussed the advancements and progress made by India in several other areas like health, entrepreneurship, start-ups among others, Prof. Sood exuded confidence that those receiving degrees today will play an integral part in creating an environment that nurtures the spirit of innovation. Creativity should become a part of your DNA, said Prof. Sood as he encouraged them.
Lauding Banaras Hindu University for its role in holistic education, Prof. Sood reiterated the role of social sciences and humanities in building the nation. “We need to align science and technology with the desired societal impact,ethical considerations and due attention to diversity, equity, inclusion and affordability” he added.
Delivering the welcome address Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain said Banaras Hindu University is celebrated for its academic heritage, and revered for blending traditional knowledge systems with modern education. The institution's ethos emphasizes social responsibility, inclusivity, and a commitment to contributing to the nation's development through education, research, and community engagement.
Sharing the progress being made by the varsity on various fronts, the Vice-Chancellor said the varsity is focusing on nurturing talent, enhancing research facilities, augmenting student support, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing alumni engagement. Prof. Jain listed the initiatives undertaken as part of Institution of Eminence scheme to empower students and teachers and advancing BHU’s quest for excellence. He added that BHU has the responsibility, the opportunity, and the capacity to show the way forward to public universities in light of the stiff challenge and competition being posed by private universities.
The Vice-Chancellor said that, equipped with academic qualifications, and values that uphold integrity, compassion, and the pursuit of truth, the graduating students are poised to venture into the real world and make a profound impact. He appealed to them to exhibit the passion for excellence and compassion for the weak and the downtrodden and bring pride to their parents and alma mater, as he wished them success and growth.
The main function of the 103rd Convocation of the university at Swatantrata Bhawan saw presentation of 27 medals (Chancellor Medals, Late Maharaja Vibhuti Narayan Singh Gold Medals, and BHU medals) to 23 students. (List attached) As part of the convocation a total of 14680 students are being conferred degrees. These include 7602 undergraduate, 6002 postgraduate, 32 M. Phil, and 1044 Ph.D. degrees. 3 D. Litt are also being presented. 539 medals are being presented to students across all institutes and faculties.
The main ceremony was presided over by the Hon’ble Chancellor Justice Giridhar Malaviya. The graduands were sworn the pledges by the Chancellor. Registrar Prof. Arun Kumar Singh announced the names of the students who were presented the medals. Rector Prof. V. K. Shukla presented the introduction of the Chief Guest.
The ceremony concluded with vote of thanks by the Registrar. Prof. Padmini Ravindranath conducted the program while Prof. Patanjali Mishra recited the mangalacharan at the beginning of the program.
