Manipal: “Your journey in life has just begun and convocation marks that day,”said DrDissanayake Mudiyanselage Jayaratne, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka while addressing the graduating students at the 19thManipal University Convocation here at KMC Greens on Saturday. In the two-day convocation, 1780 undergraduate and post graduate students received their degrees today. Almost a similar number will receive it on Sunday. Fifteen gold medalists and 33 PhD scholars were also awarded today. Chancellor, Dr Ramdas M Pai declared the convocation open.
The Lankan Prime Minister began his convocation address with a congratulatory note to India on the success of Mangalyaan. “India has demonstrated its rank to the world in education by successfully launching a rocket to Mars. I also wish someday the students of Manipal University will become an astronaut and land on the Red Planet,” he said. About the ties between the two countries he said, “Sri Lanka has the longest continuous historical link with India. Historically and culturally, our two nations have been very close to this day,” he added and indicated the written references in Ramayana. “I am happy to be here today to enhance our friendship with India,” he said.
Impressed with the quality of education being imparted in Manipal University, Dr Jayaratne said; “Apart from catering to the needs of modern higher education to a large number of students worldwide, including Sri Lanka, the institution has several important features that make it different from the rest — maintaining discipline, protecting environment, research, respect for cultural values and high quality education are some of the commendable aspects of the university.
He called upon the students to be responsible citizens. “Now you are ready face and contribute to the world at large as worthy citizens. Today is a day when teachers deliver the final advice and blessing for your future journey. It is an emotional occasion for both,” he said. “It is also a day to express your gratitude to the teachers who have contributed to making you worthy of being recognized in the society,” he added.
“It should be our collective effort to make the world a better place to live while respecting others. Each one of us, regardless of our differences and as human beings, can meaningfully contribute to this objective. After all we are all in this world to play our respective roles to make the world peaceful and happy place for the future generation as well. It depends on how well we play our roles,” the Lankan PM said.
“The best period of your life has been sacrificed to acquire knowledge. Your parents did their sacrifices with the expectation that you will become an asset to your family and the country. Now it is your turn to fulfill their aspirations,” he said.
Earlier, Pro Chancellor, Dr H.S.Ballal welcomed the gathering and congratulated the graduating students. Vice Chancellor, Dr K Ramnarayan gave an overview of the University through a power point presentation. Also, on the occasion, Mr Banmali Agrawal, President and CEO of GE South Asia was honoured as the distinguished alumnus. He is the chief guest for the second day of the convocation on Sunday.
Gold Medal Winners 2013-14 with subjects:
Undergraduates:Pallavi Maben (BE), Vora Bhavisha (B Pharm), Aalisha Kanodia (BDS), Adithya Ravi (BHM), Anisha Melania Monis (BSc Nursing), Shruthi R Menon (BAJC), Fatima Mohamedabbas Rawji (Allied Health Science), Fatmah Zahra Mehboob Rashid (BSc Biotechnology), Ashrith B (BBA Jewellery Design and Management), Deepa Lilly Edmond, (B Arch), Jewel Maria Francis (Pharm D).
Postgraduates: Sanchari Basu Mallik (M Pharm), Hannah Smiles Javvaji (MS Communication), Paluri Venkata Aditya (MS Information Science) and Ashish Viswanath Prakash (MBA).
