DW BUREAU / PATIALA

The main purpose of education is to build a good character, Such a character which contributes to developing the society with honesty and determination.

Governor of Punjab Banwari Lal Purohit expressed these views during his presidential speech on the occasion of the 40th convocation of Punjabi University.

Congratulating students and researchers who received Ph.D. degrees and medals, he said that only good characters can face problems of life. So, the students should pay special attention to build excellent character. He said that the Punjabi University has increased its reach after its establishment.

He said that the academic and intellectual aspect is a major contribution of Punjabi University. With references to the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and former President Abdul Kalam, he emphasized on the need to adopt a simple and honest lifestyle.

During his welcome speech, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Arvind said that Punjabi University is now moving forward and constantly touching new heights. He said that the previous convocation was held after a gap of six years, but now the university has gradually eliminated the process of leaving the backlog work.

Referring to the financial conditions of Punjabi University, he said that the State Government has increased the grant of the university from Rs 9.5 crore per month to Rs 30 crore per month. This has improved the financial condition of the University.

Referring to getting 'A Plus grade' from NAAC in October last year, he said that due to this the university has awarded twenty crore rupees grant under 'P.M. USHA Abhiyan. Punjabi University is the only University in the state to get this grant. An impressive increase has been noticed in University admissions last year due to which the number of seats in some engineering courses has also been increased, he added.

Referring to the five-year courses with multi-disciplinary approach, he said that Punjabi University is the only University in the country which is running these unique courses on such a large scale. The first graduate batch of these courses will be pass out this year.

Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, awarded honorary D.Litt degree to renowned Ophthalmologist Padma Shri Prof Amod Gupta and eminent social worker Padma Shri Vikramjit Sahni. An honorary degree of D.Litt. to Nobel prize winner in the field of physics Prof. Samuel C. C. Ting and Prof. J.P.S. Ubrai to be conferred later on. Chancellor's Medal for Academics was awarded to Bindya Garg and Chancellor's Medal for Sports was awarded to Vishwajit Singh.

In the convocation, 492 researchers were conferred Ph.D. Degrees and 143 were awarded medals. Meanwhile, 10 donated medals were also presented.

As per the tradition of the convocation, the Syndicate and Senate members were also present on the stage. Dean Academic Affairs Prof AK Tiwari, Registrar Prof Navjot Kaur, Controller Examinations Prof Vishal Goyal, Dean Research Dr Manjit Patar were also present on

the occasion.


(editor@dailyworld.in)