Odisha Governor presides over 48th Convocation of Utkal University in Odisha capital

Bhubaneswar, Feb 4: Governor and Chancellor of Universities, Dr SC Jamir presided over the 48th Convocation of Utkal University here yesterday. There he said that as the world has moved from an industry-driven society to a knowledge-driven society, the nature of capital, resources, processes, structure, etc has undergone a redefinition. He said efforts should be to impart such education that would advance global knowledge and help to create a ‘knowledge economy’. It must also provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills for acquiring jobs in an ambiance of rapidly growing global knowledge and continuously emerging new technologies. Excellence is the result of sincere effort, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.

Six eminent personalities, including Arundhati Devi, a well-known social activist, Dr. Ashok Mohaptra, former director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, eminent surgeon, Dr Mukut Minz, CIPET Director General, Sanjay Kumar Nayak, NCL managing director, Dr Sarat Kumar Acharya, Bengaluru-based National Law University Vice Chancellor, R Venkat Rao were conferred with the honorary doctorate degree by the Governor. Dr Sarada Prasanna Mohanty, who was conferred with the Ph.D dgree, expressed his happiness for the award. Monica Behera, a medical student of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack was awarded a gold medal after a gap of almost 10-14 years. Monica said that it was a rare occasion for her to receive the award. The Ph.D degree was awarded to 281 scholars and gold medal to 88 medical students by the Governor.

Dr Subroto Bagchi, Chairman, Odisha Skill Development Authority delivered the convocation address in which he said that violence and corruption drive away good money and good investment. As a result, over time, the quality and quantity of employment of an entire region suffers. Thus, he asked students to denounce acts of violence in every sphere of life and shun violent people.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ashok Kumar Das, Director, Higher Education Prof,  Nihar Ranjan Patnaik and Registrar, MK Biswal were among others on the dais.