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Education is the most powerful instrument of change, said Berhampur University, Odisha, vice chancellor Geetanjali Dash here on Thursday. Speaking at the 32nd convocation ceremony at the Mother Teresa Women’s University (MTWU) in the presence of Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi, the chancellor of the university, she said that the graduates should cultivate passion, resilience and respect for others emotions. The VC said that the graduants should express gratitude to their parents, who had sacrificed so much for their education, to their teachers for being a guide and inspiration and to their friends, who stood in times of stress and joy. The Odisha VC said that real growth begins where comfort ends. It happens when you (graduants) stretch yourself by learning a new skill, facing the unfamiliar, or standing up for what is right. Many, she said, stop growing once they reach competence, choosing ease over challenge. She urged them to do the opposite: “pursue what intimidates you....engage with ideas that unsettle you and learn what feels difficult. Only by stepping into the ‘growth zone’ can you keep your competence alive and prevent it from hardening into complacency,” she said. NEP sets in a new era Lauding the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Professor Gitanjali Dash said that it has ushered in a new era of flexibility, inter-disciplinarity and inclusiveness. It seeks to make the universities more learner-centred, research-driven and globally connected, while remaining deeply rooted in Indian values. She said that ‘we are meeting at a transformative moment for higher education in the country...Universities should therefore become sanctuaries of both intellect and conscience. “We must produce only skilled professionals, but responsible citizens, who can think critically, act ethically and care deeply,” she said. The country needs not only engineers and scientists, but also social innovators, teachers, artists and reformers. It needs minds that can integrate with humanity, progress with equity and ambition with altruism. The VC further said that the challenges ahead should not be underestimated. The world can sometimes be harsh. “You will face rejection, competition and ambiguity. There will be occasions when your principles will be tested, when your patience will wear thin and when others may doubt your ability,” she said and added that in such moments, she wanted the graduates to remember that growth never happens in comfort. Adversity is not an obstacle, rather it is a lesson. The Governor conferred the degrees on 8486 students and 376 among them received degrees in person. A press release stated that 58 scholars were conferred with doctoral degrees and 19 students received gold and silver medals for their outstanding academic achievements. University Vice-chancellor K. Kala welcomed the gathering and presented academic report. T. N. Higher Education Minister K. V. Chezhiyan conveyed his greetings through a message, the release added. University Registrar P. Jeyapriya, controller of examinations Clara Dhenmozhi, executive and academic council members participated.
