Katra, November 25. Third Convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra was held at Matrika Auditorium in the University campus here today where the President of India, H.E Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil was the chief guest. On the occasion, Governor N N Vohra, who is also Chancellor of the University, awarded Ph. D, M. Tech, M.Sc, M.A and B Tech degrees to the recipients while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presided over the convocation .As many as 06 students received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy whereas 48 degrees of Master of Technology, 105 Master of Sciences and Arts and 325 were presented degree of Bachelor of Technology in various engineering disciplines. 04 passing out graduates were awarded the Chancellor Gold Medal; 02 graduates were awarded Vice Chancellor Gold Medal ; 13 graduate students were awarded University Silver Medal; 07 graduates students got Infosys Foundation Prize for Excellence and 12 certificates of appreciation on the occasion were also given to students for their outstanding performance in academics and extra-curricular activities . A total of 672 students were awarded degrees: 342 in person and 330 in absentia.

Earlier, the Convocation was declared open by the Chancellor N N Vohra on request of the Vice Chancellor, SMVDU Prof. R.N. K Bamezai soon after the Academic Procession, followed by chief guest H.E. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, H.E Sh. N.N Vohra, Jenab Omar Abdullah, Vice-Chancellor SMVDU, Prof. R.N K Bamezai, Principal Secretary to His Excellency & CEO SMVDSB, Mr. R.K Goyal ,Vice Chancellor Jammu University Prof. Varun Sahni, and other distinguished guests, members of Executive Council and Academic Council and Registrar SMVDU Mrs. Roop Avtar Kaur, attired in Academic Robes, entered the Hall.

Speaking on the occasion, the president of India, Her Excellency Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil expressed her high priority to interact with students and youth of the country as they are the ones who will shape the future. She stated that this is also the generation that will have the exciting possibility of being a part of India's journey to becoming one of the leading nations of the world. This will happen if we invest in building capabilities and capacities of our youth. Further the President appreciated Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University which has developed a full-fledged Network Centre, with Wi-Fi connectivity and unlimited usage of Internet facility to help students in their studies. She expressed hope that the students will utilize this facility in a judicious manner to increase their knowledge base, and not while away their energy in undesired directions. The President also expressed her satisfaction over the outreach programmes of the university which has been organising national and international institutions of repute for exchange of faculty and students.

After declaring the convocation open, H.E. Sh. N N Vohra, the Governor of the J&K State and the Chancellor of SMVD University, in his address, expressed his gratitude to the president of India for gracing the 3rd Convocation of the university and said that it is indeed a historic moment for the University and the state . His Excellency congratulated the degree recipients and lauded the efforts of the Vice Chancellor and his team in organising the Convocation. In his address, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah welcomed the President of India in the state of J&K and to the convocation of SMVD University. He further stated that convocation is a time of great reflection as one enters into a decisive phase of one’s life and he stated that the students of SMVD University are doubly blessed as they studied under the benign presence of the Goddess.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Prof. R.N K Bamezai presented his report in which he gave an overview of the university and highlighted its achievements focussing on the diversity of the university and its academic and research prowess with a substantial focus on intergenerational responsibilities. Prof. Bamezai stated that what makes SMVDU an academically vibrant institution is not only the dedication of faculty, staff and students but above all the divine presence in the campus. The function was graced by the august presence of the Cabinet Ministers, Speaker & Members of Legislative Assembly, Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, Vice-Chancellors of others Universities in J&K, Members of SMVDSB, Members of the Executive Councils and Academic Council, officers and staff of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board besides Senior officers, Faculty and students of the University.