Published On : Sat, Sep 27th, 2014

You have got perfect wings. Now say, ‘I will fly,’ Dr Kalam tells graduates at NU’s Convocation

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RTMNU Convocation
Nagpur:
“You have got perfect wings. Now, say ‘I will fly’ and also be thankful to your University for the pride bestowed upon you.” With these inspirational words, the former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam began his keynote address at the historical 100TH Convocation of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) that took place at University’s Rao Bahadur D. Laxminarayan Playground, Amravati road, on Friday, September 26. The venue was jam-packed with brimming faces of hundreds of students who received their degrees in a befitting manner.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, in the very first moments, won the hearts of many when he began his mesmerizing speech by welcoming the gathering in Marathi. The graceful gesture on the part of the distinguished personality instantly created a rapport with the students. He told the graduates that now you have got wings to fly, be thankful to the university. Kalam, in his inimical style, asked the students, “How would you evolve yourself and shape your life in future? What would you like to be remembered for?” Kalam himself answered the questions when he mentioned India’s successful Mars Mission and termed it as a proud moment for the nation. The graduates got the significant message through his answers: Make India proud.

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Renowned scientist Dr. Vjay Bhatkar was conferred with D litt by Dr Kalam. A special Postal envelope brought out by the postal department was also released at the convocation.

At the outset, Acting Vice Chancellor Anoop Kumar in his opening address highlighted the achievements of the university in all these years, the academicians, engineers and the talent it has produced. He also threw light on IT reforms the university has undertaken and various MOUs signed with the industry.

Dr. Sanjay Chahande, Principal Secretary, Higher and Technical Education and Dr Abhay Bang were the guests of honour at the function. Dr Bang presented the degrees and medals to the graduates.

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Dr Kalam honours highest Gold Medal winners:

After a gap of ten years, a student has managed to get about 17 medals. Priyanka Victor Bertram of St. Francis De Sales College (SFS), Nagpur received 17 medals for scoring the highest marks in B.Sc stream. Ashutosh Madhukar Apte of Dr Ambedkar College, Deekshabhoomi received 15 medals. Khushbu Dilip Chaajed of GH Raisoni Law College bagged 15 medals. Naresh Manikrao Morey of Dr Ambedkar College of Arts & Commerce received 11 medals and Pravin Vighre of Department of Mass Communication (RTMNU) got 7 medals. All these students were honoured by Dr Kalam.
Medals and Degrees:
The 100th Convocation had about 69941 graduate and post graduate degrees being presented. 292 gold medals and 43 silver medals were bestowed during the convocation.
2 D Litts, 998 Ph.Ds, 18910 postgraduate degrees and 50031 graduate degrees were distributed.

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Special gowns for the Convocation:

After almost three decades, the tradition of wearing gowns was introduced at the 100th convoca­tion of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTM­NU) replacing the scarves which had been worn until recently. All the distinguished personalities seated on the dais were wearing the Convocation gowns.
Musical programme
A musical programme was organized in the evening to mark the convocation. Songs of noted poets Anil, Raja Badhe, Suresh Bhat and Grace were presented by Gunwant Ghatwai, Sarang Joshi, Manjiri Vaidya, Monali Deshmukh and Dr Vaishali Upadhaye.

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