Sikkim Manipal University holds 23rd convocation, 1,118 receive their degrees

GANGTOK,: The 23rd Convocation of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) took place today at the SMU campus at Tadong, Gangtok.

A total of 1118 graduates and post graduates and Ph.D and other degree holders from various multi-disciplinary graduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes received their degrees during the ceremony.

Degree holders from all constituent colleges and units of SMU namely Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT), Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS), Sikkim Manipal College of Nursing (SMCON), Sikkim Manipal College of Physiotherapy (SMCPT), Sikkim Manipal Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, Departments of Medical Biotechnology and hospital administration were presented degrees in MBBS, MD-MS, B. Tech, M. Tech, Bachelors & Masters in Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medical Biotechnology and Masters in Hospital Administration including BBA, MBA, BCA, MCA, MSc (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), BA, MA, BCom, MCom and PhD Courses. Gold and silver medals winners were awarded during the ceremony, informs a press release.

A total of 606 graduates and post graduates from the technical campus (SMIT) and 512 graduates and post graduates/diploma holders from the medical campus (SMIMS) were awarded degrees. There were 15 gold and six silver medalists amongst the graduates who topped in their respective courses.

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who is also the chancellor of SMU, presided over the function. Distinguished surgeon, Air Marshal (Dr) Anil Behl, (Retd.), director, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, was present as the  chief guest on the occasion.

Dr. K. Ramnarayan, pro chancellor, SMU, and Dr. Ranjan Pai, chairman, Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), were also present on the occasion. The ceremony was also attended by Air Vice Marshal (Dr) Dilip Chandra Agarwal (Retd), vice chancellor, SMU; Prof. (Dr.) Karma Sonam Sherpa, registrar, SMU; Dr. G L Sharma, director, SMIT; Dr. Muralidhar V. Pai, dean, SMIMS; Dr Keerthilatha M Pai, Controller of Examination, SMU, invitees, members of the SMU Governing Council, Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Academic Senate, faculty/ staff members, parents, and graduating students.

Dr. K. Ramnarayan, while welcoming the graduating students, said, “Today symbolizes a significant milestone in your lives, a beacon of triumph that represents years of unwavering dedication, hard work, and sacrifices. It is an achievement not only for you but for your families, friends, and loved ones who have been part of your success story. Each of you should take immense pride in your accomplishment.” He also extended his gratitude to all faculty and staff of SMU and its various colleges and constituent units for their unwavering commitment and pursuit of excellence.

In his convocation address as SMU chancellor, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya congratulated the students receiving their degrees today and their proud parents. “I am honored to be associated with Sikkim Manipal University as its Chancellor. I am confident that the University will continue to excel and contribute to the nation's development. Under the guidance of the Manipal Group and the exceptional leadership of its faculty and administration, Sikkim Manipal University has reached new heights of academic excellence. Since its inception, the University has achieved remarkable milestones and established itself as a leading institution in the country's higher education landscape. The University's highly skilled and dedicated faculty is committed to preparing students to thrive in their chosen professions in an increasingly competitive world. SMU provides state-of-the-art facilities and is dedicated to attracting the best faculty to ensure that students are well-equipped for their future endeavors. I am proud that SMU is illuminating the lives of young minds across the region. The University's graduates, including engineers, medical professionals, and others, have excelled in their respective fields and demonstrated their expertise,” the Governor said.

The Governor, in his address, underscored the importance of holistic education that encompasses academic excellence, personal growth, and societal responsibility. He emphasized the significance of preserving regional languages, fostering character development, instilling value education, adopting the National Education Policy (NEP), contributing to nation-building and society-building, and upholding the dignity of labour for students. “Regional languages serve as repositories of cultural heritage and reflect the unique linguistic diversity of a region. Preserving these languages ensures that this rich heritage is not lost and that future generations can connect with their roots,” he said. He added that NEP is a comprehensive reform initiative aimed at transforming India's education system. “It emphasizes holistic development, critical thinking, and skill-based learning, aligning education with the needs of the 21st century.”

Chief guest Air Marshal (Dr) Anil Behl, (Retd.) highlighted the significance of life lessons, urging the students to embrace the journey of continuous learning and personal growth. “Your presence here today is a testament to your unwavering dedication and the challenges you have overcome. As you embark on this new chapter, be prepared to face even greater hurdles with unwavering resilience and an insatiable curiosity. Remember, life itself is your greatest teacher. Embrace every opportunity, persevere through setbacks, celebrate every milestone, and never stop learning. Become lifelong learners, ready to seize the world with open arms,” he said.

Earlier, SMU vice chancellor, while presenting highlights of the University, reminisced the various milestones reached by SMU since its inception.  “Today we celebrate the achievements of our University, our students and our constituent institutions & colleges; from our humble beginnings through the memorable span of over more than two decades. It is heartening that we have consistently been ranked as one of the best medical & technical universities in the North Eastern region over the years.”

“As a testament to the successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between the Government of Sikkim and the Manipal Pai Foundation, Sikkim Manipal University has emerged as a pioneer in the realm of high-quality healthcare and education. Since its inception, SMU has taken immense pride in rendering invaluable services and making significant contributions to Sikkim's education and healthcare sectors. A noteworthy 53% of our faculty, staff, and employees hail from the State of Sikkim, with an impressive gender ratio that favors women employees, standing at 57%. We have made remarkable strides in the fields of research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and digitization. Furthermore, the training and placement of our interested students have consistently exceeded 95% for the past six consecutive years. Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, SMU has introduced value-added Multi-disciplinary, flexible, and hybrid courses, programmes, and capsules,” he added.

Highlighting some of the key initiatives taken up by SMU, the vice chancellor said that SMU has contributed significantly support to students and patients of Sikkim over the years. He stated, “Central Referral Hospital (CRH) is the first in the State to receive Pre-Accreditation Entry Level Certification of NABH (National Accreditation Board of Hospitals & Healthcare providers). CRH also provides 150 free beds to the needy patients and has various attractive healthcare related social service packages to the people of Sikkim.

“We are also pioneers in fostering entrepreneurship ecosystem not only in Sikkim but the entire North Eastern region of the country. AIC-SMU Technology Business Incubation Foundation (AIC-SMUTBI) was set up as one of the 100 world-class incubators envisioned by the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog Government of India in September 2018. It is the first Atal Incubation Centre in North-East India and is located inside the campus of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology. The incubator nurtures and incubates early-stage entrepreneurial ventures based on Technology and Innovation by providing infrastructure, mentorship and Seed grants to promising young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams of starting their own venture. AIC-SMUTBI was selected as the nodal agency for the G20 Startup20.”

The vice chancellor also announced the launch of the SMU Directorate of Online Education (SMUDOE) programme from the academic year 2024. This has been achieved after SMU was accredited by NAAC with an 'A' grade and prior approval from UGC and AICTE.