SHIMLA -23rd November, 2024-Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla conferred 259 degrees and 110 medals during the fifth convocation of the Himachal Pradesh Technical University in Hamirpur today. As many as 59 students were conferred with gold medals and 51 with silver medals. Out of 110 medals 73 females and 37 male were conferred medals. Similarly, 162 females and 97 males were awarded degrees during the convocation.

Congratulating the degree holders, the Governor said that they need to consider the circumstances under which they have obtained the degree. He appealed to the youth to think differently and take risks which would propel them towards prosperity.

He said that convocation was an important starting point in the lives of students. They have to return in some form what they have received from the society for this achievement, he added. He said that teachers have also contributed significantly to your success and they have provided you skills and knowledge in various subjects and they have been your guides. He called upon the youth to work for the society. "No business is good or bad, the need is to be a good person", he said. He appealed to the degree holders to be good human beings first and this belief they need to carry with them.

The Governor said that it was necessary to reflect knowledge in one's actions. "The real test of education is seen in the personal character of the student, his sensitivity towards society and the authenticity of conduct. Understanding the importance of social service and being active in it is necessary for nation building as well as self-building", said Shukla.

Shri Shukla said that the significance of your education would be to keep moving ahead in life by turning the challenges that come your way into opportunities after getting education and the new experience with which you were entering the world. He said that in this 21st century, knowledge has emerged as the most important capital in the world market. “Today, immense opportunities are available for a person who always develops his knowledge, skills and intelligence with enthusiasm and alertness. Many Indian youth have achieved world-class success through modern technology only on the strength of their skills”, said the Governor. He said that many steps have been taken by the central and state governments to promote self-employment. He added that by making proper use of these opportunities, students could become job providers and not job seekers.

He said that higher education including technical education should be taken to the doorsteps of the people by innovating in the delivery system. He expressed confidence that the formal launch of the National Education Policy-2020 would help in achieving this goal. He said that there was a need to make students, teachers, educationists and the general public of the society aware about the National Education Policy. He appealed the students to contribute in making Himachal Pradesh, a drug free State.

Member, NITI Ayog Prof. Vinod Kumar Paul, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that the convocation was an important moment for the students, parents and teachers, when their hard work and dedication and the prayers of the parents have been rewarded. He said that "Viksit Bharat" is a unique movement in the history of the country. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a goal of making the country a developed India by the year 2047.

He said that despite a new Institute, but it has implemented the National Education Policy to a great extent in a very short time, for which the administration of the institute deserves appreciation. He appealed to the students to think big, set big goals in life and work hard to achieve them.

Prof Vinod said that the central government was making special efforts to provide education and especially skill development to the youth. Schemes like Atal Training School Labs and Pradhan Mantri Vidya Laxmi Yojana were benefiting the youth on a large scale. He said that we have to provide better talent and skills to the world. He said that Medical Device Park, Bulk Drug Park etc. were being set up in Himachal Pradesh.

Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani said that it was significant moments which transformed their life. He added that the university has prepared them to face the future challenges. "You are not getting the degree but it is more than that and it makes you competent to provide a solution to the problems of the society", said Shri Dharmani. He added that we have to visualize the vision of "Viksit Bharat" and for this we will have to be action oriented. He stressed the need for strengthening the alumni network from the university administration. He said that knowledge sharing was the biggest need of today and appealed to the degree holders to never stop learning and innovation in life and to stay connected to their culture.

The Minister said that they should not limit their education to earning by getting a degree. He said that everyone could not get a government job and by changing the mindset, you have to create jobs for others.

Vice-Chancellor, HP Technical University Shashi Kumar Dhiman, read out the annual report of the University. He said that more than 30 thousand students got degrees from the university and on 5^th convocation 4801 degrees were being conferred to the students.

Registrar of HPTU, Hamirpur Kamal Dev proposed a vote of thanks.

Political Advisor to CM Sunil Sharma Bittu, MLA Bhoranj Suresh Kumar, Director NIT, Hamirpur H.M. Suryavanshi, Secretary to Governor C.P.Verma, Deputy Commissioner Hamirpur Amarjeet Singh, Superintendent of Police Bhagat Singh Thakur faculty members and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.