TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 4, 2025 // The sixth convocation of Atal Bihari Vajpayee University was held in Raipur on Thursday with full ceremonial splendour, marking the conferment of degrees upon nearly 37,000 students and the awarding of 92 gold medals. Former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind graced the ceremony as Chief Guest, Governor Shri Ramen Deka presided over the event, and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended as Special Guest of Honour. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao and Higher Education Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma were present as distinguished guests, commending the achievements of graduating students. In all, 64 scholars received doctoral degrees, 92 gold medals were presented, and 36,950 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were awarded.
Addressing the convocation, former President Shri Kovind congratulated the graduates and urged them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development. Praising the dynamism of India’s youth, he noted that the country is among the world’s fastest-growing economies and that young citizens are both witnesses to and drivers of this transformation. He stressed that graduation marks the beginning—not the end—of the learning journey, adding that continuous learning, skill enhancement, and self-development are essential for success in the 21st century.
He expressed pride in the increasing achievements of young women in higher education, observing that the large number of female gold medallists reflects a promising trend. He reminded students that their accomplishments rest not only on individual effort but also on the support of families and mentors. Encouraging them to stay rooted in India’s cultural heritage, he advised today’s youth to embrace traditional knowledge systems, including yoga and science, while remaining open to modern innovations. “Never think you are left behind,” he said. “If you never stop trying, you can always be first.”
Governor Shri Ramen Deka, in his presidential address, spoke about resilience and the ability to rise after setbacks. He emphasised that discipline is the foundation of every achievement and urged students to approach life with clarity, purpose, and positivity. Highlighting the rising concern over mental stress among youth, he underscored the importance of mental health and encouraged the adoption of yoga, meditation, and regular exercise as daily habits. He advised students to pursue careers that promote transparency and well-being while enabling them to contribute positively to society.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that success extends far beyond earning a degree and depends on an individual’s commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and cultural rootedness. He noted that the youth who stay connected to their heritage while embracing emerging technologies will lead the country’s progress in the decades ahead. He asserted that opportunities often need to be created rather than awaited, and that discipline, innovation, and hard work turn ordinary moments into extraordinary achievements. Calling the convocation a celebration of collective effort, he praised the university’s effective implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.
The Chief Minister highlighted the reforms introduced under NEP 2020, including multidisciplinary learning, the four-year undergraduate programme, skill-based courses, an Academic Bank of Credit, and updated curricula designed to enhance global competitiveness. He said that digital systems for admissions, examinations, transcripts, and certificates have strengthened transparency and convenience for students. He added that assistance under the PM–Usha scheme will boost the development of modern laboratories, smart classrooms, digital libraries, and advanced academic infrastructure.
He encouraged universities to focus on high-impact research aligned with state priorities, such as agricultural sciences, environmental sustainability, social systems, languages, and technological innovation. He described the convocation as a reaffirmation of the university’s dedication to excellence, discipline, and future-ready education.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao highlighted the rapid progress made by the state, especially in education, under the vision of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Higher Education Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma said the convocation symbolised the hard work and dedication of students and noted that development projects worth Rs 20 crore have been sanctioned to enhance academic facilities, along with the effective implementation of the Academic Bank of Credit.
The university’s quarterly magazine Kanhar was released on the occasion. The welcome address was delivered by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Arun Diwakar Nath Vajpayee.
The ceremony was attended by MLAs Shri Amar Agrawal, Shri Dharmjeet Singh, Shri Dharamlal Kaushik, Shri Sushant Shukla, Shri Atal Srivastava, Shri Dilip Lahariya, CREDA Chairman Shri Bhupendra Sawanni, Raipur Mayor Smt Pooja Vidhani, Registrar Dr Taraneesh Gautam, faculty members, and a large gathering of students and parents.
