29-12-2025 : The Governor and Chancellor, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.), participated on Monday in the 6th Convocation Ceremony of Doon University.

The Governor and Chancellor, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.), participated on Monday in the Sixth Convocation Ceremony of Doon University. On this occasion, the Governor awarded gold medals to 42 students from various faculties, out of which 34 medals were secured by female students, expressing special happiness over this achievement.

Addressing the students, the Governor said that convocation is not merely a moment of receiving degrees, but the beginning of a journey from being a student to becoming a responsible citizen. He described it as a celebration of the hard work, discipline, and determination of the Amrit Peedhi (youth of the Amrit Kaal). Congratulating all the meritorious students who received degrees and medals, their parents, and teachers, the Governor said that this achievement reflects not only the students’ individual success but also the sacrifices of parents, the guidance of teachers, and the positive academic culture of Doon University.

Highlighting the theme of this year’s convocation, which focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Governor said that technology—especially AI—has emerged as a powerful tool shaping education, research, and work culture. Referring to the address by the chief guest and IIT Bombay Professor Ganesh Ramakrishnan, and the indigenous AI initiative BharatGen, the Governor said that technological solutions aligned with Indian languages and culture ensure that technology truly reaches the masses. He called upon the youth of the Amrit Peedhi, including students of Doon University, to use AI in an ethical, humane, and socially beneficial manner, and to undertake innovation-driven efforts to address Uttarakhand’s geographical challenges and local issues.

The Governor stated that the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047 is not limited to economic progress alone, but envisions nation-building rooted in social justice, cultural pride, and human values, with youth playing a decisive role. Terming the National Education Policy 2020 as a visionary initiative, he said its aim is to create “job creators” rather than “job seekers,” and that Doon University is making meaningful efforts in this direction. Referring to Uttarakhand’s geographical challenges, the Governor said that issues such as migration and disaster vulnerability can be addressed through local innovation, self-employment, and sustainable development. Expressing special satisfaction over the large participation of female students, he said that the progress of women is the true measure of the state’s progress.

Emphasizing the true purpose of education, the Governor said that education is not merely the dissemination of information, but a process of character building. He described truth, integrity, discipline, and altruism as the core pillars of success in life, and urged students to stay away from substance abuse, addictions, and digital dependency. He called upon them to adopt the spirit of “Nation First” as their guiding principle, remain connected to their roots, work for the empowerment of the weaker sections of society, and place national interest above all else. The Governor expressed confidence that wherever Doon University graduates go, they will act as true ambassadors of the state and the nation, bringing pride to India.

On this occasion, the Minister for Higher Education, Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, congratulated the degree holders and extended his best wishes for their future. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Surekha Dangwal presented the university’s progress report and shared information about the Centre for Hindu Studies and the Dr. Ambedkar Chair, highlighting the importance of such academic initiatives in promoting Indian knowledge traditions, social justice, women empowerment, and the creation of an egalitarian society.

The chief guest of the convocation, IIT Bombay Professor Ganesh Ramakrishnan, said in his address that Artificial Intelligence is not a barrier but an opportunity filled with immense possibilities. He urged students to move beyond being mere users of AI and take concrete steps toward becoming creators, so that technology becomes a medium of innovation and social good for the nation.

The convocation ceremony was attended by Padma Shri Basanti Bisht, Kalyan Singh Rawat “Maiti,” Dr. B.K.S. Sanjay, former DGP Anil Raturi, Vice-Chancellors of various universities, members of the Academic and Executive Councils, students, and other dignitaries.