Manipal, Oct 2021.
"The world faces many challenges – disease, climate change, environmental
destruction, poverty, and war. Whether in Canada or Karnataka, we need to step
up to meet those challenges, and graduates such as yourselves will help to do
so", that was the essence of Dr. Santa Jeremy Ono, the 15th President and
the Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia, the Chief Guest on
the opening day of 29th Convocation Day of MAHE on Saturday, Oct 9, 2021.
The first day of the convocation
witnessed the graceful presence of the Chief Guest of the afternoon Dr Santa
Ono, President & Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia,Mrs.
Vasanti R Pai, Trustee MAHE Trust, Pro-Chancellor Dr H.S. Ballal, Dr Ranjan R
Pai, Registrar, Academy of General Education and President, MAHE Trust, Lt Gen
(Dr) M D Venkatesh,Vice-Chancellor, Dr PLNG Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr CS
Thammaiah, Pro-Vice-Chancellor,Dr Dilip G Naik, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr Pragna
Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Registrar and Dr Vinod V
Thomas, Registrar, Evaluation.
In convocation address on the
meticulously planned and brilliantly executed, spread
over two days at 3.00 pm, KMC Greens, Manipal, Dr Santa Ono, President &
Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia, congratulated the students
on completion of graduation. In his speech, he said “You are at a
transformative time in your lives – a world of possibilities lies before you
and encourages them to seize the day as the way from here is up and forward. I
believe there are two types of education – education of the mind and education
of the heart. Education of the mind is what you read in textbooks or hear in
lectures. It's what you're examined on. But the education of the heart is even
more important in your formation as an individual, and as a human being and
citizen, and a global change agent for a better world”. He further said that
“When I think of young people such as yourselves, and what you’ve done to get
to this day, I am confident that the world is in good hands, and that we will
meet and overcome the challenges we face.” and congratulated all the graduated
students.
Speaking on the occasion, Pro-Chancellor
Dr. H.S. Ballal said, “A convocation ceremony for students is a milestone
achieved which will forever hold a very special place in their hearts and they
will cherish these moments forever. We at MAHE wholeheartedly wish all our
students a glorious future. Our students have always been our pride and honour,
and we are certain each one of you will make MAHE and your parents proud.”
Lt. Gen (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh,
Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, said, “At
MAHE we have over 375 programmes across 31 disciplines and today we would like
to congratulate all our 2125 students, their parents, and the entire MAHE
family for their relentless efforts especially during the COVID pandemic.
Today, we are recognized as one of India’s top universities by the National
Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) by the Union HRD Ministry which is a
demonstration of great and committed team work in fulfilling the dream of our
Founder Dr TMA Pai”.
Commenting on the 29th
Convocation, Dr. PLNG Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (HS) MAHE, said “Today we
feel a sense of pride as we witness our student’s graduation ceremony. Times
have been tough for each one of us, but our determination helped us get through
this. I congratulate all our students and wish the very best for their future
endeavours.”
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.