VP Dhankhar Hails India’s Growth, Urges Youth to Prioritize National Interest at SMVDU Convocation
VP Dhankhar at SMVDU convocation stresses national interest above all, hails Article 370 abrogation as historic, and inspires youth to contribute to India's progress.
Katra, 15-02-2025: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday attended the 10th convocation ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in Katra, where he underscored the paramount importance of national interest, asserting that no political or individual ambition should ever supersede it. Addressing the gathering at the Matrika Auditorium of the SMVDU campus, he emphasized that nationalism is not just a sentiment but a duty that every Indian must uphold at the highest level, regardless of circumstances. Highlighting India’s remarkable progress over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dhankhar lauded the nation’s strides across various sectors, attributing the advancements to a strong governance framework and a visionary approach.
In his address, the Vice President also termed the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 as a “historic and transformative” decision, reiterating that the provision granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir was always meant to be temporary. He emphasized that its removal has paved the way for greater integration, development, and opportunities for the people of the region. The convocation ceremony was graced by the presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Education Minister Sakeena Firdous, among other dignitaries, who celebrated the academic achievements of the graduating students.
During the ceremony, a total of 684 students were conferred Bachelor’s degrees in various disciplines, 147 received their Master’s degrees, 34 were awarded Integrated Master’s degrees, and 44 scholars earned their Ph.D. degrees. Recognizing academic excellence, 26 medals, nine certificates of distinction, and 10 Infosys Foundation prizes for excellence were presented to meritorious students. A university official highlighted that 501 male and 408 female students were awarded degrees, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey.
Earlier in the day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chancellor of SMVDU, extended a warm welcome to the Vice President upon his arrival at Jammu airport. The convocation ceremony reflected the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping the future of the country’s young minds. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the university’s mission to contribute to the nation’s progress by fostering innovation, research, and holistic development among its students.
