HT Bureau
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GUWAHATI, June 19: Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria emphasised the importance of forging alliances with national and international institutions to bring transformative changes to the field of education. He made these remarks during the convocation ceremony of Assam Science and Technology University held at the Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium in Guwahati on Monday.
Addressing the audience, the Governor commended ASTU for its efforts in positioning Indian technical education at the forefront of progress. He highlighted the university’s commendable initiative of translating numerous technical textbooks from English to the regional language of Assamese, aimed at facilitating technical education in the state.
The Governor further emphasised that the primary function of a university is to ignite the flame of knowledge, empower minds with skills, and pave the way for endless discovery through relentless research and boundless innovation. He highlighted the importance of not only raising the standard of livelihood but also considering the standard of living, as education would be incomplete without addressing both aspects. The purpose of education, he stated, extends beyond acquiring knowledge or wealth; its purpose is much greater.
Congratulating the graduating students, the Governor expressed his heartfelt congratulations for their academic achievements. He expressed full confidence in each graduate, believing that they will become torchbearers of positive change, propelling society forward through groundbreaking advancements in the fields of science and technology.
In his address to the students, the Governor stated that receiving their well-deserved degrees should be seen as a testament to the fulfillment of life’s ultimate purpose. He noted that this accomplishment reflects the holistic development of their remarkable personalities, showcasing their dedication not only to vocational education but also to the cultivation of invaluable life-building values and humanistic principles.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of upholding noble virtues of humanity in the ever-evolving landscape of the modern world. He referred to remarkable individuals such as Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Dayanand Saraswati, who exemplified a firm dedication to the betterment of society and the nation, showcasing the power of Indian values.
In the pursuit of nation-building, the Governor highlighted the paramount importance of cultivating and fortifying the essence of character, goodwill, and unity. These virtues serve as the pillars upon which collective progress and prosperity rest. He urged the students to nurture these qualities and pave the path towards a brighter and more harmonious future.
The convocation ceremony witnessed a total of 2,768 postgraduate and undergraduate students who graduated between 2021 and 2022, receiving their degrees in various disciplines. Additionally, 15 Gold Medals and 50 Topper’s Certificates were conferred upon successful students.
Addressing the students, Prof Bhupendra Nath Goswami, a renowned meteorologist, climatologist, and former director of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, emphasized the role of ASTU as the only technical university dedicated to science and technology in Northeast India. He highlighted the university’s responsibility to provide a strong foundation for young minds in the region to succeed in their professional lives and inspire them towards scientific and technological innovations needed to address challenges like climate change and sustainable development.
Vice-Chancellor of Assam Science and Technology University, Prof Narendra S Chaudhari, principals/directors of the university’s affiliating institutes, and several other dignitaries were also present at the convocation ceremony.
