Sikkim Governor Inaugurates 14th Convocation of Sikkim Manipal University

Gangtok, September 21, 2014: The Governor of Sikkim, Mr. Shrinivas Patil, who also serves as the Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University, attended the 14th Convocation of the University on September 20, alongside the Chief Guest, Retired General Mr. V.K. Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and DONER.

The ceremony took place in the auditorium of Sikkim Manipal University in Tadong, East Sikkim, where a total of 1,020 students received their degrees. Among them, 847 students were from the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, while 173 hailed from the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences.

Governor Patil and Minister V.K. Singh presented degrees and merit certificates to the graduates. The event was also attended by the Minister for Human Resource Development, Mr. R.B. Subba; the Minister for Health and Information and Public Relations, Mr. Arjun Ghatani; Chief Secretary Mrs. R. Ongmu; and Pro Chancellor Dr. Ramdas M. Pai, who awarded degrees and certificates to the remaining graduating students.

In his address to the large gathering of students and their families, Governor Patil expressed his happiness and gratitude for being part of the convocation, describing it as a moment of joy and satisfaction for the graduates and their parents. He praised Sikkim Manipal University for establishing itself as a premier educational institution in the country, noting that its alumni have gone on to achieve significant success.

Highlighting India's status as the nation with the largest youth population, he urged graduates to utilize the knowledge and education they received at the university to not only improve their own lives but also to contribute to the state and the nation. He emphasized that the real test of their abilities begins now as they face life's challenges, urging them to accept responsibility and work towards personal ambitions while also contributing to the nation's progress.

Minister V.K. Singh also addressed the audience, congratulating the graduates and encouraging them to become not only successful individuals but also compassionate human beings. He stressed that qualities such as honesty, integrity, persistence, hard work, and a zeal for making a difference are essential for success and for being a good citizen. He emphasized that personal ambitions should not hinder one from being a helpful and responsible individual.

The ceremony commenced with the Governor declaring the 14th Convocation open and releasing the Annual Report of the University. Vice Chancellor Dr. S.N. Mishra highlighted the university's achievements, while Dr. Ashish Sharma, Registrar of Sikkim Manipal University, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.

Later that afternoon, Minister V.K. Singh engaged in a brief interaction with the media, expressing hope that other North Eastern states would emulate Sikkim's successful transition to becoming an organic state. He also emphasized the potential for eco, adventure, and rural tourism in the region and the government's commitment to promoting it aggressively.

Share: