NEW DELHI: Education remains a central focus for the Delhi government, and a significant step in this direction was announced today by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, Mr Vinai Kumar Saxena. At the 17th Convocation Ceremony of IP University, held at its Dwarka campus, the Lt. Governor revealed that a budget of Rs 500 crore has been allocated for the proposed educational hub in Narela. This funding will help lay the groundwork for the expansion of higher education opportunities in the capital, in line with the city’s growing educational demands.
During his address, Mr Saxena highlighted the importance of education as a tool for societal change. He urged the graduates to be responsible citizens and emphasized that true education must bring happiness and value to the lives of others. “The teaching of human values cannot be confined to books,” he remarked, urging students to contribute positively to society and the nation. His words resonated with the audience as he spoke about how a single individual can change the world, reassuring everyone that Delhi’s future is in capable hands.
Delhi’s focus on education and innovation
The event also featured remarks from several prominent figures, reinforcing the city’s commitment to improving its education system. Delhi Chief Minister, Mrs Rekha Gupta, reiterated that enhancing the education sector is a priority. She urged the graduating students to recognize their societal responsibilities and emphasized that collective participation is essential to achieving the broader goals of a developed Delhi and a developed India.
Delhi’s Education Minister, Mr Ashish Sood, took the opportunity to remind the students that while their degree is a recognition of their hard work, the real test begins now. He encouraged the students to embrace sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI) as transformative tools for the future of the nation, underscoring the importance of lifelong learning in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Mr Dharmendra, Delhi’s Chief Secretary, addressed the gathering by highlighting the need to bridge the skill gap that exists in many sectors. His words emphasized that education should be aligned with practical skills to ensure the workforce is prepared for future challenges.
A milestone for IP University
The convocation also marked a significant milestone for IP University, with 24,456 students receiving degrees in various disciplines. The students included 110 PhD holders, 12 MPhil graduates, 2,624 Master’s degrees, and 20,739 Bachelor’s degrees. Additionally, 483 MBBS graduates and 488 MD, MS, and Ayurveda Vachaspati degree holders were recognized. Among the graduates, 74 students were awarded gold medals for their exceptional academic achievements.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of IP University, Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, shared exciting developments at the university. He revealed plans to establish an Indian Knowledge Center, aimed at fostering research and innovation. The university has also signed nearly 100 memorandums of understanding (MOUs), with 40 international collaborations, further enhancing its global presence.
The event also saw the launch of a book titled Impressions: The IPU Journey of Excellence, which highlights the university’s growth and achievements over the years.
Women’s power shines at the convocation
One notable aspect of the convocation was the remarkable achievements of female students. Women graduates outshone their male counterparts in several categories. Of the 110 PhD recipients, 75 were women, while 35 were men. Furthermore, 49 of the 73 gold medal recipients were women, showcasing their academic excellence. The women also dominated the special awards category:
• The Dr. B.P. Joshi Memorial Gold Medal was awarded to Riya Dua.
• The Siddharth Khitoliya Award was conferred upon Muskan Gupta.
• The Ashok Sahni and Suman Sahni Awards, which recognize excellence in technology and medicine, were awarded to Pooja Sukheja and Himani Tomar, respectively.
This remarkable success highlights the growing presence of women in higher education and their leadership in various fields.