NIT Annual Convocation : Human mind is the real player of development, says Governor Heptulla
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, December 08 2017: The 4th Annual Convocation of the National Institute of Techno-logy (NIT), Manipur was held today at Langol with Hon'ble Governor Dr Najma Heptulla gracing the function as the chief guest.

Two PhD research scholars, 28 MSc, 41 MTech and 101 BTech undergraduate students belonging to different disciplines were conferred degrees at the occasion .

Chairman, Board Of Governors (BOG), NIT Manipur, Ashishkumar Chauhan; Professor SJM School of Management, IIT Bombay, Vardaraj Bapat and Director, NIT Manipur, Prof S Biren-dra Singh also shared the dais at the function .

The convocation kicked off with a traditional pena recital .

NIT Annual Convocation Human mind is the real player of development, says Governor Heptulla

Appreciating teachers who have been a constant source of inspiration in every one's life, the Governor highlighted that a convocation reminds us to acknowledge the significant work of the teachers who have laboured hard to create a special intellectual environment in which students can succeed.

Stating that it is not technology per se which translates into development but the mind behind which operates it, she continued that the country's development is not going to be judged by the number of institutes or factories but by the quality of mind of the people .

"The human mind needs to be developed for the society to grow and the quality of mind decides between the two buttons before us—one to change the life of the people for the better and the other that extinguishes the lives of the people," she said .

She urged the graduating students to remember that they are central to the vision of the nation that is dynamic, prosperous and inclusive adding that they should always have aims in their lives .

Reminiscing her post-graduation days when she kept her promise to the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru made a year before by topping the Vikram University, Ujjain, she spoke laying stress on the importance of aim, firm will, promise and commitment to our goals in order to succeed .

She also shared that every day when the sun rises, we keep learning as the quest for knowledge never stops.

She was awarded doctorate at just a mere 22 years of age .

In his welcome address, Prof S Birendra gave a brief report on the activities and achievements of the institute during 2016-17 stating that though the NIT is just seven years old, it stands out as the first among all the 10 newly established NITs in the country.

NIT Manipur has also actively participated and imple- mented several flagship programmes initiated by the Central Government like the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Swaccha Bharat Abhiyan, Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) and the Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP-III) apart from organising its techno-cultural fest Ougri that attracts several students from across the state, he said .

Speaking on the occasion, Vardaraj Bapat said that it is the duty of the students to pay back to the society by becoming good law-abiding citizens and motivators to people.

Noting that a degree is just the starting point, he pointed out that we need emotional quotient that requires handling human issues which in turn help in paving the route to become visionaries .

Addressing the gathering, Ashishkumar Chauhan said that change is the only constant in this golden time for India.

He also presented a momento to the Governor during the function.

Registrar, NIT Manipur, RK Lalit read out the convocation pledge after which the students were presented medals and certificates for their degrees in their respective disciplines.