The Special 5th Convocation

The Special Fifth Convocation of the G D Goenka University was organized on the University Campus in compliance with the government guidelines on the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, February 27, 2021. The convocation was venerated by all present, marking a new chapter in students’ life. The event marked an important milestone for the University, with the Convocation of its Class of 2019.

597 graduands of Doctorate Degrees, Master, Bachelor, and PG Diploma Programmes from 11 different schools namely the School of Architecture & Planning, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Communication, School of Education, School of Engineering, School of Fashion & Design, School of Hospitality, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Law, School of Management and School of Medical & Allied Sciences were awarded their degrees and diplomas.

The ceremony started with an academic procession which was followed by an Invocation. The ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest Maj. Gen. (Dr.) G. D. Bakshi, SM, VSM., Mrs. Renu Goenka, Honorable Chancellor, G D Goenka University, Mr. Nipun Goenka, Pro-Chancellor, G D Goenka University, Mr. Rohit Gujral, Director, G D Goenka Group, Prof. (Dr.) Tabrez Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, G D Goenka University, Dr. Dhirendra Singh Parihar, Registrar, G D Goenka University, Major Karttikeya Sharma, Administrator, Deans of respective Schools, University officials, and Faculty members.

After a welcome to all the dignitaries Mrs. Renu Goenka, Honorable Chancellor of G D Goenka University declared the convocation open.

Prof. (Dr.) Tabrez Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of the University addressed and presented the annual report of the University. He started his address by extending a warm welcome to all the graduands, their family members, and his academic and administrative colleagues to this special convocation of the University. Emphasizing the importance of both knowledge creation and dissemination, he drew attention to knowledge sharing being an important part of the University culture through enriching platforms, conferences, seminars, and webinars having earned repute in pertinent academic circles. He shared that the University’s major thrust is to build a student-centric university for holistic growth and education which is provided to the students by means of diverse curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities. He shared about the smooth transition which was undertaken by the University during the time of pandemic from offline to online mode of education and now to a blended mode of imparting academic and non-academic exposure to the students. He added that in order to create a culturally and experientially diverse cohort, the University has students and staff from across India and overseas. He urged the graduands to trust themselves, be lifelong learners, excel in their chosen fields, and always follow the path of truth, sincerity, honesty, perseverance, loyalty, and responsibility towards society and nation.

The event proceeded with the Chief Guest, Maj. Gen. (Dr.) G. D. Bakshi, SM, VSM adorning meritorious graduates with the Shri Gopinath Goenka award. In total, there were 40 Medals awarded - 21 Gold, 14 Silver, and 5 Bronze. Medals were given to graduates for their exceptional academic excellence.

This was followed by the convocation address delivered by the Chief Guest, Maj. Gen. (Dr.) G. D. Bakshi, SM, VSM. He applauded the University for its Achievements. He congratulated all the graduating students, their family members, management, and faculty members. He emphasized on the importance of growing one's intellectual status and added that the Indian's intellect is one of the sharpest and ‘we Indians are the brightest ones on planet Earth.’ He advised the youngsters that this is just the end of the beginning and suggested that they should follow the principle that “The sky is the limit” and continue excelling in their chosen field. He also advised the graduands to imbibe a value system that comprises love towards one’s nation, integrity, and discipline.

Further, the degrees were awarded to all the graduands by the Chief Guest, Maj. Gen. (Dr.) G. D. Bakshi, SM, VSM., Mr. Rohit Gujral, Director, G D Goenka Group, Prof. (Dr.) Tabrez Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, G D Goenka University, and the respective Deans of the School. This was followed by the pledge ceremony conferred by Dr. Dhirendra Singh Parihar, Registrar, GD Goenka University.

The ceremony was declared close by Mrs. Renu Goenka, Honorable Chancellor of G D Goenka University which was followed by the National Anthem. The convocation ceremony was managed, coordinated, and led by Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Kaushik, Dean of Student Welfare. The ceremony culminated precipitating glee and elation emanating brightness.