Manipal, November 20, 2020.

"I am what I am because of who we all are", that was the essence of Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, OP Jindal Global, Institution of Eminence, Deemed to be University, Sonipat, Haryana, India, the Chief Guest on the opening day of 28^th Convocation Day of MAHE on Friday. 

The first day of the convocation witnessed graceful presence of Chief guest of the evening Dr. C Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, OP Jindal Global, Institution of Eminence, Deemed to be University, Mrs. Vasanti R Pai, Trustee MAHE, Pro Chancellor Dr. H.S. Ballal,  Vice Chancellor Lt. Gen (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh,   Pro Vice chancellors Dr. PLNG Rao,  Dr. Dilip Naik and Dr. C.G. Thammaiah, Registrar Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Registrar Evaluation Dr. Vinod Thomas, Director Student Affairs Dr. Geetha Maiya, Heads of Constituent units of MAHE.

Bringing down the curtain on the meticulously planned and brilliantly executed e-Convocation spread over three days, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, OP Jindal Global, Institution of Eminence, Deemed to be University, dwelt on the many encouraging thoughts that would evidently stay in the minds of the students after completion of graduation and offered solutions with apt examples for them to compete with, if that was an option.

“Whatever you do henceforth in your life, always remember that small acts of courage, kindness, empathy and courtesies of the heart will make a great difference to those around you. Success is most often not meaningfully measured in more conventional notions of status, titles and wealth, but in these ordinary acts of humanity”, he said. Sharing his thought on the ten pillars of encouragement that he has found valuable in his own life, he added, “This year we faced one of the most unprecedented crises of our time. This unfortunate ongoing pandemic has yet again showed us the VUCA world we live in, i.e., marked by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. And I am glad that in a safe space such as the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, you have learned to overcome any challenges that you face, to grow into becoming change-makers who can now pave the way for the world around us, and become global leaders of the future, creating impact wherever you set foot” and congratulated all the graduated students.

Speaking on the occasion, Pro Chancellor Dr. H.S. Ballal said, “In a student’s life, Convocation ceremony holds a very special place but due to this unprecedented time, once in a lifetime ceremony is forced to be conducted virtually. While there is no personal interaction and exchange of greetings this time, we wholeheartedly wish all our students a glorious future. We are very confident that each one of you will make MAHE and your parents proud.”

Lt. Gen (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “As a group of higher education institutions with over 350 programmes across 31 disciplines, and home to over 28,000 students from 57 nations in its various campuses, we are very proud of our growth trajectory. Today, recognized as an ‘Institution of Eminence’ by the Ministry of Education, Government of India and ranked as one of the world’s leading global universities have indeed opened a path to build our nation’s global footprint, and make India stand out on the education world map.

Commenting on the 28^th Convocation, Dr. PLNG Rao, Pro-Vice Chancellor (HS) MAHE, said “The present pandemic has disrupted the normal life and activities globally but has also provided opportunities for innovation. Our University, students and faculty have always demonstrated a resiliency in the face of adversity. Through this virtual programme, we continue the tradition of having the convocation”, reminiscing MAHE’s journey in the footsteps of the visionary Dr. TMA Pai.

Presenting the Vote of Thanks, Registrar Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, thanked all the dignitaries present at the occasion and extend heartfelt gratitude to parents, students including esteemed press and media representatives.

Gold Medal winners: The Dr TMA Pai gold medal winners on the first day were: Keya Bakshi, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal; Shetty Varun Vivek Vinaya, Manipal Institute of Management, Manipal; Jesly Anna James, Manipal College of Nursing; Shambhavi S Shetye, Manipal College of Health Professions; Nikita Jain, Manipal School of Architecture & Planning; Jane Mendonca, KMC Mangalore; Spoorthi, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal.