Dr BR Ambedkar University Convocation: More Than 1,000 Students Receive Their Degrees

The 12th convocation ceremony of Dr BR Ambedkar University, Delhi, honoured 1,095 students on Wednesday, December 20. The ceremony, held on Ambedkar University’s Kashmere Gate campus in Delhi, celebrated the academic achievements of 442 undergraduates, 602 postgraduates, 13 MPhils, and an additional 33 PhD scholars, according to the Times of India. In addition to that, five students received diplomas.

The media outlet further reported that among the 1,095 degree holders, an impressive 77 per cent in MPhil, 72 per cent in PhD, and 58 per cent in combined undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses are accomplished young women. In absolute numbers, out of the 1,095 students, there were 635 female students.

Vice-chancellor Anu Singh Lather stated that the university ranked 4th on the priority list of top 10 universities chosen by candidates in the 2023-24 admission cycle, conducted through Common University Entrance Test (CUET).

“AUD Merit Research Fellowship Scheme (AUDMRFS) for PhD scholars at par with UGC’s Junior Research Fellowship /Senior Research Fellowship has been implemented. A total of 28 PhD scholars were awarded with the scholarship. The university has increased the monthly stipend for non-NET/JRF research scholars from Rs 8,000 to Rs 16,000 across programmes,” the Vice-chancellor said.

In addition to that, Education Minister Atishi graced the convocation ceremony as the chief guest and addressed the students enthusiastically. Highlighting the unique holistic approach of liberal arts students, she stated that their contributions can help the country. “Liberal arts are looked down upon in our country. The holistic approach that liberal arts students possess sets them apart and 5 years down the line, those earning degrees in liberal arts will likely be at the forefront of leading the country,” she said, reported Times Of India.

Elaborating further, Atishi directed the students to make well-informed decisions and be grateful for their parents’ contribution in this rapidly evolving world. She further asked the students to think about the country. “In a deeply divided society, whether rich or poor, and marked by caste and religion, today’s students bear the responsibility of making our country better. I hope you will strive to fulfil this goal,” she concluded.

Lieutenant Governor and chancellor VK Saxena were also among those who graced the event with their presence. The Lieutenant Governor, during his address to the student, praised the university for implementing the vision and focus of NE. He advised students to take inspiration from Dr BR Ambedkar’s philosophy to reach out to more and more students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Saxena highlighted that the prospects in a liberal economic environment are immense. He said, “Our demographic dividend of youth—600 million people in the age group of 25 and below—must be converted into an asset that propels our surge for development. For this, we must undertake skilling and capacity building among our youth in a mission mode.”

Saxena concluded by telling the students that he would like them to remember that positions are temporary and ranks and titles are limited. But the way they treat people and serve society will always be remembered.