Establishment of University a significant initiative of Shrine Board: Governor

KATRA: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Jammu and Kashmir Governor, today said that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University has entered into collaborative understandings with twenty eminent national and international institutions for undertaking joint researches and exchanges of teachers and students enabling the faculty and the students to be engaged in researches in the frontier areas of science and engineering. He hoped that this connectivity with varied reputed institutions, along with other initiatives, would lead to making this University a leading centre of excellence for research, teaching and innovation, all over the country and across the world.
The Governor was speaking at the Third Convocation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), at the University Campus here today where Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India, was the Chief Guest, who delivered the Convocation Address.
The President gave away medals and certificates of appreciation to the outstanding students at the Convocation.
The Governor, who is the Chancellor of the University, presided over the Convocation while Mr. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, was the Guest of Honour at the Convocation.
The Governor thanked the various departments and agencies of the Government of India which have provided financial support for the University for undertaking several high end research projects. He said that presently the University is engaged in a programme to significantly expanding its physical infrastructure and inducting well qualified teachers to enlarge its faculties.
The Governor expressed his gratitude to the founders and well wishers of the University which has emerged as the first technical and fully residential University in the State. He said that the establishment of this institution is recognized as one of the significant initiatives taken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board which has so far invested about Rs. 200 crore to establish the Campus. He added that the University provides learning in varied contemporary subjects of national importance at the graduate, post-graduate and doctoral levels. It has four Colleges and 14 Schools. Over 1100 students of the 2004 to 2009 batches have passed out from the University and a good number of them have been able to secure attractive placements in some of the reputed industrial and business establishments in the country.
The Governor thanked the President for kindly accepting his request for being the Chief Guest at the Convocation.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, said that it is a singular honour for all of us to have the President at the 3rd Convocation of the SMVDU. He hoped that the students passing out from this University today would contribute significantly towards the development and prosperity of the country and the State. “You have to rise to the occasion and prove your mettle”, he asked the students. He expressed firm hope that they will become leaders in the varied fields of activity by dint of their talents, quality education and hard work.
The Governor awarded Ph. D, M. Tech, M. Sc, M. A and B. Tech degrees to 672 students. He congratulated all those who received degrees, honours and awards at the Convocation and wished them high success in their future careers. He also signed the Scroll Award of Degrees, which was followed by oath taking by the degree recipients.
Earlier, Prof. R. N. K. Bamezai, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, presented the report of the varsity, giving details of its rapid growth and development as well as the past achievements and future plan of action. He also spoke about the teaching and research facilities already made available and those in the pipeline to make SMVDU a centre of global excellence.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Speaker, State Legislative Assembly, Ministers, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Members of Parliament, Legislators, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Vice Chancellors of the various Universities in the State, Members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Chief Executive Officer and other senior functionaries of the Shrine Board, members of the Executive and Academic Councils of the University, prominent personalities from various walks of life, senior officers, Faculty Members, students of the University and their parents.