Guru Ghasidas Central University Celebrates Tenth Convocation with Distinguished Guests and Academic Excellence
Bilaspur witnessed the vibrant and dignified celebration of Guru Ghasidas Central University’s Tenth Convocation Ceremony on September 1, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the Rajat Jayanti Sabhagar of the university. The esteemed chief guest for the event was President Droupadi Murmu. Accompanying her were special guests, including Chhattisgarh’s Honourable Governor Vishwabhushan Harichandan, Chhattisgarh’s Honourable Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Union Minister of State Renuka Singh, and Chhattisgarh’s Higher Education Minister Umesh Patel. The honourable vice-chancellor, Professor Alok Kumar Chakrawal, presided over the ceremony.
The convoy, which included the chief guest and other dignitaries, promptly arrived at the venue. The honourable vice chancellor, Professor Alok Kumar Chakrawal, warmly welcomed the president and all the guests.
Upon the arrival of the Chief Guest, Honourable President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, a group photograph was taken at the venue. Initially, she posed with the Executive Council and the Academic Council members, followed by a group photograph with the students. Both groups had their seating arrangements outside the Rajat Jayanti Sabhagar of the university.
The procession for the 10th Convocation ceremony had a well-structured sequence. It commenced from Hall No. 1, led by the Registrar, followed by members of the Academic Council, members of the Executive Council, Deans of various schools, guests, and lastly, the Vice-Chancellor and Honourable President Smt. Droupadi Murmu. The return procession followed the reverse order, returning from the venue to Hall No. 1.
The ceremony commenced with the police band playing the national anthem. Subsequently, the guests on stage inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and offering flowers before the idols of Maa Saraswati and Baba Guru Ghasidas. The university’s Tarang band then presented Saraswati Vandana. The honourable vice chancellor welcomed all the guests on stage with bouquets and presented mementoes.
In her address, Honourable President Smt. Droupadi Murmu expressed her joy at participating in the convocation ceremony of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya. She congratulated the students on their academic achievements and praised the teachers who had nurtured young minds. She extended her best wishes to all and highlighted that 60% of the gold medal recipients were female students. She emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment through education and commended the university’s social service initiatives.
Smt. Droupadi Murmu also commended India’s “High Science, Low Cost” approach in the field of science, citing the example of Chandrayaan 3. She hoped that the university would establish itself as an internationally recognised accelerator-based research centre. She encouraged students to persevere through hard work and dedication, emphasising the importance of finding opportunities amidst challenges.
The Honourable Governor Vishwabhushan Harichandan stressed the significance of serving humanity as a form of service to God. He reminded students of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and encouraged them to be dedicated to their nation and society. Chhattisgarh’s Honourable Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel spoke about the role of education and innovation in propelling Chhattisgarh to new heights.
In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor Professor Alok Kumar Chakrawal presented the university’s annual report. He highlighted the university’s expanding academic and research excellence, mentioning achievements in patents, research papers, and various welfare schemes.
Prof. Chakrawal also discussed the university’s innovative programme, “Swavalambi Chhattisgarh,” which focused on employment-oriented education, skill development, and self-reliance in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. He mentioned unique initiatives like the Swabhiman Thali Yojana, which provides nutritious food to needy students, and the Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya Shravan Line Scheme (GSL), symbolising the university’s commitment to society.
Following the farewells of the Chief Guest and other guests, degrees and gold medals were presented by Vice Chancellor Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, Honourable MP of Bilaspur Lok Sabha Shri Arun Sao, Director Internal Quality Assurance Cell Prof. P.K. Bajpayee, NAAC Coordinator Prof. A.S. Ranadive, and Registrar Prof. Manish Srivastava.
The Tenth Convocation ceremony honoured PhD degree holders, graduates, postgraduates, diploma holders, and degree holders for the session 2021–22. A total of 84 medals were awarded, including 72 University Gold Medals, 10 Donor Medals, 1 Guru Ghasidas Medal, and 1 Chancellor Medal. Additionally, 28 research scholars received Ph.D. degrees.
The entire ceremony was broadcast live on a massive LED screen at the rear of the stage. It displayed comprehensive information about the recipients, including their names, subjects, photographs, and medal or title details, as they ascended the stage.
Dr. Garima Tiwari moderated the event, and Prof. Manish Shrivastava, Registrar of the University, delivered the vote of thanks. After the national anthem, the convocation procession returned to Hall 1. The event was attended by distinguished public representatives, vice chancellors of various universities, notable citizens of Bilaspur city, parents, deans of university schools, and department heads.