First convocation ceremony of Doon University concludes

Governor Mrs. Baby Rani Maurya awarded the degrees and medals at the first convocation of Doon University on Friday. Governor, who is also the Chancellor of Doon University, honoured MP and former Union Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and the famous folk singer Mr. Narendra Singh Negi with the honorary degree of Doctor of Science and Doctor of Literature respectively. During the first convocation of the Doon University, degrees were awarded to students who passed out from year 2011 to 2016. These include 617 Post Graduates, 380 Graduates and 5 Ph.D Degrees. Governor conferred gold medals to 44 students, who received the highest marks in the first attempt.
In her convocation address, Governor said that the universities have great responsibility to promote research work as per the needs of the society and to assist in the formulation of policy for overall development. The university is not a mere degree giving institution. Universities have a vital role in the overall development of the society and the nation. In particular, for high-skilled but a young state like Uttarakhand, higher educational institutions have to do many important tasks. Uttarakhand has its own distinct geographical, social and cultural environment. By identifying this uniqueness, policies for overall development of women, youth and farmers here should be made. It is not necessary that one area specific plan will be beneficial in another area. There is a greater need for sector-based policies here. Our universities have to focus their ability on such a practical research. She said that development of affordable and mass accessible technologies related to all renewable energy sources, including solar energy is the need of the hour. This will also create new employment opportunities in this area. She said that all the universities and colleges should develop the buildings in the form of green building.
Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat announced a grant of Rs. 5 crore for various development works of the University. Referring to the important role of teachers, he said that if there are good teachers in any university or educational institution, then even the lack of resources do not matter much. The honour of the University has increased by conferring the honorary doctorate degree to Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and Mr. Narendra Singh Negi. Chief Minister said that the government is committed to promote regional languages and the protection of Himalayas. He hoped that in the future, Doon University will be among the best universities in the country. Any academic institution or university depends on most of its head and teachers. The lack of material resources in educational institutions can be fulfilled by the good teacher but no one can overcome the inadequacy of good teachers.
Minister of Higher Education Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat said that the convocation ceremony will be organized regularly. The State Government has strictly implemented the education calendar. In the last academic session, against the schedule of 180 days, studies continued for 212 days in Doon University. He said that every year five eminent persons will be conferred honorary degree by state universities.
MP and former Union Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi while receiving the honorary degree said that Doon University should contribute to the creation of eco-friendly policy that promotes environmental protection. Explaining the importance of the Himalayas, he laid emphasis on need for a thorough research on Himalaya’s economy and ecology. He said that conservation of the Himalayas and its water resources is our priority. Highlighting the importance of Sanskrit, Dr. Joshi stressed on the study of Sanskrit and research on Sanskrit Granths.
Folk singer Shri Narendra Singh Negi, receiving the honorary degree, said that through him, the folk languages of Uttarakhand have been honoured. He called for protection of Sanskrit and all regional languages including Garhwali and Kumaoni.
Information and Public Relations Department