JOIN USSecretary to the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, K Vijay Raghavan on Saturday gave a call to youths to be agents of change in the world.
Delivering the convocation address at the sixth convocation of Yenepoya University, Raghavan felt that the younger denizens of the country are a force to reckon with.
“India is among the few countries where impetus is given to the fields producing manpower for both skilled and semi-skilled jobs. Making ample use of such resources, Indians can address the problems plaguing not just the country, but also the world, like climate change, war, economic challenges and population growth.”
Saying that technology has bridged the gap between people and learning mechanisms, he referred to search engine Google, where people can avail information in a jiffy.
Raghavan reminded the students of the challenges in the world outside, “One should not be bogged down by problems, but muster ability to put oneself ahead of others.
Most importantly, one should lend a helping hand to others in distress, for it also helps them learn ways to overcome hardships.”
Raghavan, who was supposed to be the guest of honour, delivered the convocation address in the absence of renowned scientist Bharat Ratna C N R Rao.
Vice-chancellor of the university M Vijaya Kumar advised the students to be ready to face competition transcending boundaries.
Eight medal winners
In all, 477 students were awarded various degrees in person and absentia. It included highest of 107 BDS candidates, followed by 90 from MBBS, 85 in BSc nursing, 55 in PG (Masters in Dental Science), 54 PGs (MDMS), 21 PG Diploma candidates, 13 each from Bachelors of Physiotherapy and PhD, nine from MSW, eight from Post-basic BSc Nursing, seven from MSc in Medical, five in MSc Nursing, four each in Masters of Physiotherapy and Masters of Healthcare Administration (MHA).
Eight students were awarded gold medals for their academic endeavour: Fathima Farhnana and Zainaba Hamna K A (BDS), Maviya Abdul Azeez (MBBS), Namrata KHadka and Shruthi Laxmi (Post-basic BSc Nursing), Sandra Saju and Shruthi S (BSc Nursing) and Jubairiya P (BPT).
Endowment instituted
An endowment was instituted in the name of Nur Syafiqah Binti Mohd Hasan, a student of first year MBBS, 2012-13 batch.
Chancellor Y Abdulla Kunhi, chairman, Yenepoya Foundations Y Mohamed Kunhi and others were present.
Thick fog delays flight; C N R Rao skips ceremony
Owing to delay in departure of the flight from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, renowned scientist Prof C N R Rao could not make it to the convocation of Yenepoya University.
Apart from delivering the convocation address, Rao was scheduled to receive the ‘Doctor of Science’ award (honoris causa) from the university.
According to university sources, the flight could not depart as per schedule at 9.30 am owing to thick fog. When the weather permitted, it was conveyed to Rao that the flight might reach Mangaluru at 12.20 pm, instead of the scheduled 10.30 am. Following this, Rao decided to skip the flight, so also the ceremony.
In his address, vice-chancellor of the university M Vijaya Kumar said, ‘honoris causa will be conferred on Rao at another appropriate time’.