"Peace, courage, patience, self-confidence, intellectual ability and innovative thinking are the strengths of Indian youth. The upcoming generation will be able to lead developed countries with their intellectual and spiritual capabilities. Indians have resolutely faced challenges such as technological and environmental crises. India's strength lies in the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family), which has empowered Indian youth. They will face future challenges and opportunities," stated Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
He was addressing the graduates as the chief guest at the 26th convocation ceremony of Bharati Vidyapeeth in Pune. The ceremony, presided over by Bharati Vidyapeeth Chancellor Prof Dr Shivajirao Kadam, was attended by Vice-Chancellor Dr Vivek Saoji, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Vishwajeet Kadam, Executive Director of Health Sciences Dr Asmita Jagtap, Registrar G Jayakumar, Controller of Examinations Dr Anthony Rose, deans of all faculties and members of the management board.
At the convocation, 6,815 graduates were awarded degrees, and 71 students received Ph.D. degrees. 42 students who secured the highest marks in postgraduate and undergraduate examinations in each faculty were honoured with gold medals and certificates.
Birla said, "Education awakens a sense of equality and brotherhood. By achieving success in your chosen field of education, you will face new challenges in life. It is necessary to constantly strive to fulfil the dreams you have envisioned. Bharati Vidyapeeth has done commendable work in the field of education by focusing on educating tribal students from remote villages who could not access education through regular institutions, contributing to the development of the state and the country. It is expected that the youth will strengthen democracy by addressing any crisis with self-confidence and determination."
Vice-Chancellor Dr Vivek Saoji added, "Bharati Vidyapeeth has made a valuable contribution to the educational, health, social, cultural and economic development of the country over the last 60 years. The university has always prioritised research and has received grants of more than ₹15 crores from various institutions for research work. More than ₹2.5 crores have been spent on research in the last year. In the past five years, 18 startups have been operational, with three new startups launched this year."
