By OUR STAFF REPORTER
HALDWANI, 4 Jan: Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) was Chief Guest for the 9th Convocation ceremony of Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani, on Saturday. During the ceremony, he awarded 20 students with university gold medals, two students with Chancellor’s gold medals, 13 students with PhD degrees, and three students with sponsored gold medals. The degrees of 17,084 students from various branches for the academic session 2023-24 were available live on DigiLocker. On this occasion, Dr Hemchandra was conferred the honorary D.Litt degree. The Governor also released the book ‘Udaan’ and honored Prof. Om Prakash Singh Negi.
Extending his warm wishes to everyone on this auspicious occasion, the Governor remarked that this convocation is not just a formal event, but a celebration of knowledge, hard work, and accomplishments. He stated that it is not only a personal achievement but also a significant step towards strengthening the nation’s future. He also mentioned that Uttarakhand is celebrating its Silver Jubilee year and emphasized the need to take new resolutions for the progress of the state and nation in the new year.
The Governor emphasized that advancements in technology, research, artificial intelligence, and Drone technology should be leveraged to bring about a revolution of change, establishing new records in the field of knowledge and science for India.
He expressed immense pleasure in noting that more female students were receiving degrees, reflecting the success of the government’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative. He further stated that the success of daughters today signals India’s progression toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. Lauding the university, the Governor noted its various programmes for differently-abled individuals and the continuous growth in student numbers, indicating increasing trust in the university. He said that the university has developed several courses tailored to the needs of Uttarakhand, where students get to learn about the state’s rich historical, cultural, and literary heritage.
Lt Gen Singh further mentioned that the Open University has provided opportunities for people who could not pursue formal education but sought to enhance their academic qualifications and personal growth. The university has brought higher education to the masses, benefiting various age groups, including teenagers, working adults, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. He acknowledged the valuable role of distance education in expanding access to higher education in remote areas.
He also stated that education is not just the accumulation of knowledge and information but requires self-confidence and strong resolve. He encouraged students to work for the upliftment of rural and backward areas and to bring marginalized communities into the mainstream of development.
In his address, Higher Education Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha mentioned that Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to implement the new National Education Policy (NEP-2020). He emphasized the need for the education sector to continuously consider how to foster comprehensive development in society, the state, and the nation, while also focusing on technical education and maintaining uninterrupted higher education services.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Om Prakash Singh Negi, also addressed the gathering, highlighting that the university is in its 21st year of progress. He stated that the university offers 94 courses across 14 faculties and runs various skill-development and employment-oriented programmes. He also noted that the university has adopted 5 villages, where initiatives related to education and computer awareness are being carried out.
