Bhubaneswar, Feb 29:President of India Droupadi Murmu on Thursday graced the 53rd Convocation of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar.
Praying rich tributes to the visionaries who have contributed to the glorious journey of the varsity the President said the Utkal University has made its mark in the field of education all over India. It is a leading university in the country in terms of its campus, environment and teaching tradition. Many students from the prestigious institution also have brought laurels to the country by doing remarkable work in various sectors, she added.
The President noted that more than two lakh students are studying in colleges recognized under the Utkal University. She was happy to note that the percentage of girls is greater than boys among these students. She called upon students to inculcate human qualities, most importantly, modesty and humility, love and compassion in everyone. During the occasion Murmu conferred honorary doctorate on Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Pramod Kumar Mishra and IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, for their outstanding contribution to the nation.
Managing Director (MD) of Hindalco Satish Pai was conferred with the honorary doctorate at the ceremony. Apart from them, a total of 166 scholars were awarded with PhD degree and 95 meritorious students with gold medals at the convocation event. Odisha Governor and Chancellor Raghubar Das, Higher Education Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak also graced the occasion.
