At Delhi University’s 96th convocation held on Monday, a record three lakh students were awarded degrees, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi said. Degrees were awarded for two academic years.
With only 700 of those graduating being present at the event, the rest will be awarded their degree in absentia, the university said. Among those present, 300 students were awarded various medals and other prizes for their academic performance in front of an audience of parents, university officials and illustrious alumni.
Eminence status
Taking the moment to review the university’s achievements, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the recent award of Institute of Eminence (IOE) bagged by the university.
He said that while he was aware that there were some apprehensions about the scheme, he was confident that consensus would be built. The IOE tag would help bring financial support as well human resource which would benefit the university, he added.
Mr. Tyagi also touched upon other developments, such as the formation of a new syllabus, bringing “equality’ among streams such as school of open learning and regular courses, the setting up of new college campuses and new centres of learning.
In the future
Looking ahead, Mr. Tyagi spoke about plans to turn the university into an “integrated campus” with no thoroughfare. Quoting from the Master Plan Delhi 2021, he said that the document codified this vision and called for the development of an urban design plan for the same. In a reference to ongoing protests against a high-rise construction by a private builder at the university’s North Campus area, Mr Tyagi cited a section of the master plan which said that tall buildings would be restricted from the area.
“We want to have our centenary celebrations in our integrated campus,” he said.
Chief guest at the event, Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, lauded the university stressing his belief that it would reach the top of world rankings.
The future of the country and its vision would be realised through the students, Mr. Pokhriyal said.