Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Manipur University on Friday held its 15th Convocation Ceremony, resuming the academic tradition after a gap of over a decade. The previous convocation was held on April 29, 2014.
The ceremony took place at the university auditorium, with students from affiliated colleges in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh joining through virtual mode.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, also the Chief Rector of the university, attended as the Chief Guest, while Chief Minister N. Biren Singh graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. The programme was presided over by Chancellor Professor T. Tirupati Rao.
Addressing the gathering, the governor termed the convocation a significant milestone in the lives of graduating students, marking the culmination of their academic journey and the beginning of new responsibilities. He emphasised the role of higher education in shaping young minds and nation-building, stressing the need for integrity, ethical values, and a sense of duty.
He urged graduates to contribute towards a developed India through innovation, lifelong learning, and self-reliance while also promoting peace, inclusively, and harmony in the Northeast.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening higher education and skill development, noting that Manipur University continues to be a hub of academic excellence and intellectual growth.
The Chief Minister further informed that 572 students of the university secured placements in both government and private sectors over the past two years. He encouraged graduates to focus on entrepreneurship and contribute to nation-building, drawing inspiration from the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for youth to become job creators.
Presenting the annual report, Vice-Chancellor Professor N. Lokendra highlighted the university’s steady academic progress. He stated that the institution secured NAAC B+ accreditation and was ranked in the 101–150 band under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). He added that timely conduct of examinations, implementation of the National Education Policy, introduction of new academic programmes, and over 1,500 research publications by faculty members reflect consistent growth.
The university has also achieved notable success in sports, winning 127 medals, including 45 gold medals, in recent years.
Dr. Pankaj Mittal described the convocation as significant in the context of rapid changes in education and technology.
