Arif Mohammed Khan Governor of Kerala, delivered the convocation address as Chief Guest
CHARUSAT, a leading university situated in Charotar region celebrated it’s 9th Convocation event on 11th January 2020. Governor of Kerala and former cabinet minister Arif Mohammed Khan was the Chief Guest and delivered the convocation address. Dr George Musser, a renowned American writer and a contributing editor for ‘Scientific American’ magazine, was the Guest of Honour for the event.
Also in attendance were other dignitaries from the academic world, industries and the government apart from Provost, Dr. Pankaj Joshi, President, CHARUSAT Surendrabhai Patel, Registrar Dr. Devang Joshi, Members of the Governing Body, Board of Management of CHARUSAT, invited dignitaries, Deans of various Faculties, parents and students.
In a glittering convocation ceremony held at the campus a total of 2048 degree holders including 37 gold medallists were conferred degrees. The ceremony commenced with the grand Convocation procession, fragranced with the chanting of Vedic mantras befitting Indian culture and tradition. The convocation procession was led by Dr Devang Joshi, Registrar, CHARUSAT which was joined by Chief Guest, Provost, President, Members of the Governing Body, Board of Management of CHARUSAT, invited dignitaries, Deans of various Faculties and Gold Medallists.
The programme began with a prayer and the University Song. Addressing the congregation, Dr Pankaj Joshi, Provost, CHARUSAT welcomed the guests, and shared the progress report of the university and extended his wishes to the graduating students. The Registrar led the Oath taking ceremony where all the students pledged to excel professionally and serve the society. The PhD scholars and the Gold Medalists from various disciplines received their degrees and Medals from the Chief guest.
Dr George Musser, Guest of Honour in began his speech by congratulating all the degree holders and stressed the need for ‘lifelong learning’. He added that science as a discipline throughout history has been “individual acts of genius”. However, with the changing world, science has become the collaborative act which contributes towards the building of knowledge. He stressed the need to ask questions, which according to him creates a focal point of our abilities. He drew extensively on luminaires in the field of applied sciences and cosmology such as Albert Einstein. He hailed the new generation, who embody the fresh minds in the country need to be inquisitive in nature.
Addressing the degree holders, he said that “students of science are people of action, which is needed in this time and history”. He concluded by saying that there is a lot of discovery left to be done and explored. He ended by enthusing the degree holders to work collaboratively to “fix the problems of the world”.
The students and the audience were enthralled by the rousing speech of the Chief Guest, Arif Mohammed Khan. He began by congratulating the parents for their sacrifice and dedication, which has resulted in this day, wherein they are witnessing this proud achievements of their wards. He advised all CHARUSATians to,“be proud of their Indian traditions which is inherently reflective in nature. It exorts us to think and remain searching for elusive realities”. He advised the students to exploit the power of imagination which is an ability unique to humans only and to use it for the societal development. Addressing the proud degree holders, he encouraged them to be an asset to the University, society and the nation as a whole.
Addressing the degree holders, Surendrabhai Patel in his presidential address shared pearls of wisdom with students and urged the graduates to become lifelong learners, facilitate change in society, develop perseverance, focus on opportunities in life, not problems and find joy in selfless service. Virendrabhai Patel, Trustee, Kelvani Mandal, Member of Governing Body, CHARUSAT donated Rs. 1 crore to CHARUSAT hospital and Rs. 5 lakh for Gold Medal.
Amongst the presence of esteemed dignitaries 241 students of Faculty of Medical Sciences, 252 students of Faculty of Computer Sciences, 175 students of Faculty of Management Studies, 119 students of Faculty of Pharmacy, 279 students of Faculty of Applied Sciences and 949 students of Faculty of Technology and Engineering including 33 Ph.D. graduates were conferred degrees and blessed for a bright future. 37 students were awarded gold medals for their outstanding academic performance. The Convocation concluded with the vote of thanks by the Registrar, Dr. Devang Joshi.
It is noteworthy here that all the Medals are real Gold Medals conferred with certificates. Students and their Parents are all provided with hospitality and special attention.
Established in 2009 (under Gujarat State Act No. 8), CHARUSAT has the unique distinction of being an education hub located in the rural region. CHARUSAT University, in its continual endeavour to achieve excellence in both undergraduate and postgraduate education and research, has earned a superb academic reputation in the academic arena. In a short span of 10 years, the University has grown to prominence at national and international levels through the achievements made by its students and faculty.
The campus presently accommodates over 7500 students and 368 faculty members. The university has been awarded ‘Grade A’ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). It has emerged as one of the leading Universities of Gujarat offering around 75 programs ranging from UG, PG to PhD in Engineering and Technology, Pharmacy, Computer Applications, Management, Applied Sciences, Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Paramedical Sciences.