'Young minds must strive for excellence' Says Prof Jagdish Mukhi

GUWAHATI: "The world is now full of competition and our bright young students must strive for excellence to survive in this age of fierce competition. This is undoubtedly the age of the survival of the fittest," said Assam Governor and Chancellor of Cotton University Prof Jagdish Mukhi while addressing the 2nd Convocation of the varsity today at the International Auditorium of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, Guwahati.

Extending his wishes to the degree holders, Prof Mukhi emphasized that students have an obligation toward society. "Our nation has given us everything. In return, we should pay back something. You should stay and serve the country. Our country is creating a strong foundation for a start-up ecosystem. So, our students should cooperate, stay in the country and serve the nation to become absolutely Atmanirbhar," he added.

Eminent writer Rong Bong Terang was conferred with the honorary D.Litt. degree for his significant contribution to Assamese literature and the Karbi language. Altogether, 1375 students were awarded their respective degrees. While 57 student toppers were awarded gold medals, 11 students received their doctorate degrees at the convocation.

Also present on the occasion was the Convocation Speaker Prof Basuthkar Jagadeeshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad. In his address, he emphasized the role of quality education in shaping a nation. "The future of a great nation like ours hinges on its young citizens, the quality of education and the values they imbibe. The role of higher education is not only to give information and facts, not even only to cultivate intellect, but also to ignite imagination and creativity. It has to create scholars and leaders and not just academics; transfer values and not just information; and prepare you for a career and not just a job," he said.

State Minister of Education Dr Ranoj Pegu as the guest emphasized that higher educational institutions should focus their courses on three key areas - designing courses that increase the employability of students, impetus the creation of entrepreneurs and increase attention on research.

Presenting his report, Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof Bhabesh Chandra Goswami highlighted the developments made in the last two years.

The convocation started with an academic procession in which the Chancellor of the University, Vice-Chancellor, Minister of Education, Convocation Speaker, Registrar, Academic Registrar, Deans of faculties, members of the University Court, Executive Council and Academic Council took part. The procession was flagged off by Registrar Prof Diganta Kumar Das. The programme was anchored by Dr Merry Baruah of the Department of English.

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