Special Convocation 3rd June

The 3^rd of June 2022 was a momentous day in the history of GD Goenka University, as the University saw the successful organization of a special convocation honoring Ms. Matsepo Molise Ramakoae, Hon’ble Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Relations, Kingdom of Lesotho. The stage was resplendent with dignitaries from GD Goenka Management and representatives from the Government of India & Lesotho. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Minister of Development & Panchayats, Government of Haryana, Sh. Devender Singh Babli, the Pro Chancellor Mr. Nipun Goenka, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Tabrez Ahmad, the High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho Ms. Lineo Irene Molise Mabusela, the Registrar Mr. Dhirendra Singh Parihar and Convocation Convener & Director CIE Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Kaushik, Deans/Heads from the different schools of the University and also other dignitaries from the academic world.

The Convocation began with the playing of the National Anthem of India and was officially declared open by the Pro-Chancellor, after greeting the guests with floral bouquets. The Vice Chancellor gave the welcome address where he warmly welcomed the chief guest Sh. Babli and Ms. Ramakoae, citing her immense contribution to the Kingdom of Lesotho, and her four and half decade long career, making her duly worth of her degree. The Vice Chancellor spoke of the year 2022 as an eventful year after the turbulence of the Pandemic, and pointed out to the upgraded strategies of the University towards achieving greater academic goals and making the University a world class University. The Vice Chancellor pointed out that how our relatively young University established in 2013 has achieved much more in the 9 years. The University boasts of 5000 current students. 7000 Alumni & almost 9 crores in scholarship given, producing leaders across diverse departments as law, management, social media etc. The University is also working in sync with Prime Minister Modi’s vision and working to further the cause of Make in India and Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. Prof. Tabrez pointed out that that University gives thrust on holistic growth and well-rounded learning-based education focused on creating further avenues of academic collaboration.

The Vice Chancellor’s address was followed by a reading of Ms. Ramakoae’s citation by the Registrar and a video presentation of her achievements. The conferment of her degree was greeted with cultural ululation by the Lesotho contingent.

Dr. Ramakoae greeted the dignitaries present and said she was delighted and humbled to accept this honor, not only on account of her own self, family and country, but in the honor of young people all over the world, raised in circumstances of scarcity. Dr. Ramakoae pointed out to GD Goenka University as a University of great potential and happily acknowledged the presence of students from Lesotho in the University Student Body, some of whom were even present in the audience. She rightly said that the people blessed with opportunities must not waste their opportunities but open the doors for other disadvantaged people to let them in. Dr. Ramakoae pointed out to the historical bonds of the Kingdom of Lesotho and India as partners of non-aligned movement, as members of the U.N. and also for playing a significant role in the fight for freedom. She said that the Kingdom of Lesotho benefits from its co-operation with India in education and health care and looked forward to further collaborations between the two countries. Dr. Ramakoae’s expressed her happiness and gratitude in the recognition of her work by the University and reiterated her desire to work further for the disadvantaged. She ended her speech with a remembrance of her late daughter, Mots’ Elisi, lost tragically to the pandemic, and with her best wishes for the growth and advancement of the university.

Dr. Ramakoae’s speech was followed by the convocation speech by the Chief Guest, Sh. Devender Singh Babli, who congratulated Dr. Ramakoae and recognized her as an inspirational figure. Shri Babli spoke of his efforts as a representative of the state government to work for the betterment of the marginalized and expressed his wonder and happiness on seeing the sprawling GD Goenka Education City in Sohna, as an asset both to the state of Haryana, and also to the country.

The vote of thanks given by Lineo Irene spoke of Dr. Ramakoae’s honorary doctorate as a beacon of hope to the thousands of Mosotho girls, symbolic to the resilient spirit of every African girl who overcomes unsurmountable challenges. She pointed out to the doctorate as a pointer that dreams of greatness are indeed valid. She ended her speech with Maya Angelou’s quote “All great achievements take time”.

The special convocation was declared closed by the Pro-Chancellor, GD Goenka University, and ended with a playing of the National anthem of Lesotho.