Team News Riveting
Raipur, December 4
The sixth convocation of Atal Bihari Vajpayee University was held on Thursday in Raipur with full ceremonial grandeur, marking the conferral of degrees to nearly 37,000 students and the awarding of 92 gold medals.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The program was presided over by Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended as Special Guest of Honour. While Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, and Higher Education Minister Tank Ram Verma were distinguished guests marking their presence encouraging student’s efforts. During the ceremony, 64 research scholars received doctoral degrees, 92 gold medals were awarded and 36,950 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were conferred to students.
Addressing the convocation, Former President Ram Nath Kovind extended warm wishes to the graduating students for their bright future and urged them to contribute actively to nation-building. Applauding the energy and confidence of the youth, he said that India today stands among the world’s fastest-growing economies, and the young generation is both witness to and participant in this historic transformation. He emphasized that graduation is not the culmination of education, but that in the 21st century, continuous learning, skill refinement, and self-development are indispensable for success.
He noted that girls are increasingly outperforming boys in higher education across the country, and that the significant number of female gold medallists in this university is a matter of pride. Congratulating all awardees, he said their achievement is not solely their own effort, but the result of their parents’ sacrifice, family support, and the invaluable guidance of teachers. Calling it a golden moment they will cherish forever, he encouraged students not to fear falling behind, remarking, “Never think you are left behind. If you never stop trying, you can always be first.” He urged them to work diligently to fulfil their dreams while staying rooted in Indian culture, values, and heritage, and to embrace traditional knowledge systems such as yoga and science.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka, in his address, said that life presents many challenges, and though one may stumble at times, the greatest strength lies in the ability to rise again. He encouraged students not to fear setbacks and to cultivate the courage to stand up every time they fall. Stressing that discipline forms the bedrock of success, he described life as a beautiful journey that must be lived purposefully, positively, and meaningfully. Highlighting the increasing challenge of stress in modern life, he underscored the importance of mental well-being and advised making yoga, meditation, and regular physical activity integral parts of daily life. He urged students to choose careers that minimize stress, uphold transparency, and enable positive change for themselves and for society.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that success is not defined by a degree alone, but by the constant desire to learn. In a rapidly changing world, he added, it is the youth who remain connected to their cultural roots while embracing technology, innovation, and hard work who will shape the India of tomorrow. Opportunities do not always appear on their own, he said—often, they must be created. Discipline, perseverance, and a positive outlook, he noted, transform ordinary moments into extraordinary achievements. Expressing confidence in the new generation, he said it will lead Chhattisgarh and the nation to greater heights.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the convocation is not merely a formal ceremony but a celebration of the dreams, determination, and efforts of students. He appreciated the university’s implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, including multidisciplinary learning, skill-based education, the four-year undergraduate programme, the Academic Bank of Credit, and modernized curricula that prepare students for global opportunities.
He noted that digitalization has enabled the university to provide online services such as admission, examination forms, transcripts, and degree certificates, ensuring simple, transparent, and prompt services for students. He added that financial assistance under the PM–Usha scheme will significantly aid the development of new laboratories, smart classrooms, a digital library, and modern academic infrastructure, thereby strengthening quality and innovation in higher education.
Chief Minister emphasized that universities should promote high-quality research aligned with the needs of the state, particularly in areas such as agricultural sciences, environmental protection, social systems, language and literature, and technological innovation. The convocation, he said, provided students, parents, and teachers with a collective celebration of knowledge, discipline, and inspiration, reaffirming the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao highlighted the remarkable progress achieved by the state, including in the education sector, under the vision of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Higher Education Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma described the convocation as a tribute to students’ hard work and dedication, noting that the Academic Bank of Credit is being effectively implemented and that development projects worth Rs 20 crore have been sanctioned to strengthen academic infrastructure. The dignitaries also released the university’s quarterly magazine Kanhar. The welcome address was delivered by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Arun Diwakar Nath Vajpayee.
The event was attended by MLAs Shri Amar Agrawal, Shri Dharmjeet Singh, Shri Dharamlal Kaushik, Shri Sushant Shukla, Shri Atal Srivastava, Shri Dilip Lahariya, CREDA Chairman Shri Bhupendra Sawanni, Raipur Mayor Smt. Pooja Vidhanī, Registrar Dr. Taraneesh Gautam, faculty members, and a large number of students were also present
