Milind Soman and Tisca Chopra motivate students in 4th Annual Convocation of Parul University

Ace model and fitness expert Milind Soman along with actress and TEDx speaker Tisca Chopra motivate the students at the 4th Convocation of Parul University near Vadodara on Saturday. They give valuable lessons of life to them in this important juncture of life where all of them are chasing their dreams in life. A total of 6,500 students along with their parents were present to witness the conferment of the degrees.

During the 4th Convocation, a total of 4448 graduating candidates from the disciplines of engineering and technology, applied sciences, commerce, arts, fine arts, library science, health administration, public health, vocational studies, pharmacy, physiotherapy, ayurved, homeopathy, nursing, architecture, agriculture, social work, design, law, computer applications, management, business administration were conferred diploma, under graduate, post graduate and doctorate degrees. A total of 48 gold medals along with 27 Certificates of Merit were awarded to the top performers of respective degree programmes in the university. Furthermore, 1 award for start up and also 6 alumni’s were awarded for their noteworthy contribution in their respective fields.

Bhavyakumar Khasetiya, a top performer from B.Tech, mechanical engineering at Faculty of Engineering and Technology also received a grant of Rs 65,000 for final year project under SOIC – Student Open Innovation Challenge in 2020 by SSIP. Other than this he also ranked 2nd in Hackathon on “Smart Manufacturing” in GGCS 2019 and ranked 3rd in IDEATHON 2019. His said, “I had the good fortune of learning from some really great professors, they helped me excel in my academics and at the same time gave me life lessons too. I enjoyed the festivals, the competitions, the talks, everything at PU”.

Dordawala Mariyam Mustafa, a gold medal holder from Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme, was also awarded as best student at KASHKON, Kashmir, best orator at Times Institute and she was also awarded the title of “Young Female Academic Achiever” by Geeta Phoghat. She stated, “I learned not only theoretical aspects but also practical skills. I am highly satisfied with one year clinical practice. These years at Parul University helped me to discover my inner self and words are not enough to express what I feel”.

Vijay Narshi Jamariya, gold medal awardee from M.tech, structural engineering at Faculty of Engineerign and Technology received research fellowship at IIT Bombay which was a part of the project funded by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). He was fortunate to present his research in national and international conferences. At present he is working as a Structural Engineer in a Norwegian MNC, Aker Solutions which is one of the biggest companies in the world for the engineering, construction and installation of onshore and offshore oil and gas refinery and platform structures.

Kikani Ghanshyamkumar Nanubhai, gold medal holder from Management Studies also holds silver medal in Kho-kho at district level who has ventured business into the field of textile. His message to juniors is, “Take an oath to ace yourself every morning. One’s determination, preparation, and continuous efforts will make one enjoy the rewards lifetime.”

Patel Vishva Nitinbhai, a topper from Faculty of Engineering and Technology has been scoring highest for last 3 years in his department and was always awarded best enterprising student of the month 3 times by Entrepreneurship Development Cell. In his words, “Parul University is a place to cherish never ending friendships, to have 360 degree development by participating in plethora of extracurricular activities and ultimately a place to achieve infinite dreams”.

Scriptwriter, author and film producer Tisca Chopra in her address brought in three requests for graduating students. First is to learn conflict management in real sense, living with differences and respecting each other’s differences is the key to successful life in contemporary times. Second is to stop constant and relentless abuse of nature and become more consciousness towards healthy planet. Moreover, she urged the students to build a society with gender equality. She request all to be more empathetic to both genders and must give dignity and respect to each one and value each other equally in all parameters. She concluded by advising young minds to be storyteller. In her words, “Each of us is a story. You are a hero, a heroine of your story. Find that one story which brings joy to your life and make your life that story”.

Marathon runner and Limca record holder and worlds toughest triathlon finisher “Ironman” titled Milind Soman in his convocation address urged the students to find what success means to them. Real parameters of success in life is health and happiness not money, fame and status. Do not compromise on it and be the best version of who you are meant to be. He also appealed the youth to never let go the joy – real passion – in their lives because that would, in future, give real meaning to their lives. Finally, he wished all degree holders a great success in every endeavour they do and asked them to make their university and nation feel proud.

Dr. Devanshu Patel, during his presidential remarks, told students to overcome DAS – Destination Addiction Syndrome. He added, “never let the worry for tomorrow, take away your joy of today”. He motivate students saying, it might be an end of academic journey for many students but never ever stop learning, no matter where you end up in life, always have the attitude to learn something new. Don’t be ‘waiters’ but ‘actors’ who always are willing to take action in every moment of their time. He motivated the youth to be “Givers” to become the resources and start giving back to your nation in any way that you can. He appealed young minds to be “Planners” – to develop and then follow their plans in such a way that guarantee them the highest success in future.

Dr. M.N. Patel, Provost, Parul University thanked all the students, parents and staff members for making this event a huge success and also congratulated the graduating candidates and wished them luck in their future endeavours.

Dr. Devanshu Patel, President, Parul University, Dr. H.S.Vijayakumar, Registrar, Parul University, members of the Board of Management and the Governing Body remain present at the convocation.