President Murmu addresses JNU 6th convocation; Over 900 students receive degrees

NEW DELHI: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) conducted its 6th convocation today, March 10, 2023. The chief guest of the occasion was president of India, Droupadi Murmu. A total of 948 students received their doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees during the event.

The guest of honour at the event was union education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. The event was also attended by government of India, principal scientific advisor, A K Sood, and JNU, chancellor, Vijay Kumar Saraswat.

While speaking at the convocation, president Murmu said: “JNU is a relatively young university. I look at it as a meaningful and historical significance that JNU began to function in the year of the centenary celebration of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi in 1969."

Also Read | JNU withdraws new rules prohibiting protests, strikes; VC says 'not aware of circular'

In her address, Murmu also noted that the number of women research scholars has outnumbered men at the institute this time, terming it as an important indicator of social change. The president further added," The university presents a lively reflection on the cultural unity of India amid the diversity."

LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu addresses the 6th convocation of Jawaharlal Nehru University https://t.co/sU7lTi6Y1t

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 10, 2023

She praised the students and faculty of JNU and said that they have made impressive contributions in various fields such as education and research, politics, civil service, diplomacy, social work, science & technology, media, literature, art and culture. Speaking at the JNU 6th convocation, education minister, Pradhan said: "This is a research university. There is no multi-diverse institution like JNU in the country. India is the oldest civilisation and JNU is taking this civilisation forward. Debate and discussion are important in the country."

Speaking on the occasion, JNU, vice chancellor, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit emphasised on the fact that 52 per cent of the students at JNU are from reserved categories -SC, ST and OBC. “This is our sixth convocation. A total of 948 research scholars have been awarded degrees this time. The female research scholars have outnumbered men. Fifty-two per cent of students come from reserved categories like SC ST and OBC. We are doing great in sports as well," she said.

(Inputs from PTI)