No.556/2020-2021

The 14^th & 15^th Convocation of Mizoram University(MZU) was held open-air under strict SOP under Covid -19 Guidelines of Mizoram at the Amphitheatre, Mizoram University, Tanhril in the state capital, this forenoon. Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, the Chief Rector of the University graced the event as the Chief Guest. Mizoram University, Tanhril, Aizawl, Mizoram is a NAAC certified  Grade 'A' (2019 - 2024) University, currently ranked 67th(2020) in the country as per the ranking by the National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF).

Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai opened his address by congratulating the Vice-Chancellor  and everyone in Mizoram University for having achieved the rank of 67^th top University in the country for the year 2020 despite being a relatively young one, set up in the year 2001. And then congratulated all the hardworking students who were being awarded the degrees which the Governor hoped would enable the holders to become valuable contributors to society soon after.

In this address to the assembly of intellectuals, the Governor first underlined the state’s admirable performances in various human development indicators, such as literacy, sex ratio, infant and maternal mortality rate, etc. However, he suggested that underperformance in development, industrialization, revenue generation, employment opportunities, etc., must be accepted and taken as a challenge. And to overcome this challenge, the Governor believed that human resources and the untapped potential resources in the state are the answer. He also shared his conviction that Mizoram not only has the entire recipe for development and progress but is also being populated with many talented individuals as he had seen firsthand through his extensive travels and interactions with people across various sections of society. However, he opined that Mizoram is yet to fulfil its true potential. And further illustrated how this challenge can easily be turned into opportunities by the qualified individuals like the ones who have received their degrees today. 

Governor Pillai pointed out the fact that the state still relies heavily on funding from the centre with the primary sector continues to be largely primitive, as it is unable to part away with the ecologically unsustainable shifting cultivation. And that it sadly remains a fact that we are producing only around 33% of our rice requirement, which is more importantly, our staple food. He was also voicing his concern that industrial production to date has failed to really take off on a mass scale. However, the Governor was quick to share his optimism of setting the state on the path of growth and prosperity if the educated and creamy layer of the society task upon themselves of leading the roles in turning these challenges into opportunities.

On making full advantages of our untapped potential, the Governor urged the scholarly gathering and said, “We have conditions suitable for the flourishing of agriculture, horticulture, and allied activities. The scenic beauty of the State and the clean environment are ideal for tourism to thrive. Likewise, raw materials are available for the setting up of industries and factories. In all these, Mizoram urgently requires entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, who are willing to lead from the front. All of you gifted and bright scholars must be the torch-bearers in this march towards prosperity”. Governor Pillai also brought out the relevancy of “ Self –Reliant India”  which is popularly advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the context of Mizoram considering the availability of untapped potentials and immense resources in the state. But he reckoned the one thing that comes before “self-reliant Mizoram” would be “Healthy Mizoram” in his scholarly lecture on this occasion.  According to him, another essential ingredient for faster progress quite necessary for the state is to broaden the horizon and to have more interactions with the elements from outside the state, especially in this age of global village. Finally, he reminded everyone that the Covid-19 Pandemic is not over yet and that we all must stride forward cautiously following all the safety and precautionary measures laid out by the government from time to time.

After, the Convocation was declared opened by the Registrar with permission from Vice Chancellor, the proceeding of the 14^th & 15^th of MZU Convocation was conducted by Prof. KRS Sambasiva Rao, Vice-Chancellor, MZU in which he had conferred 9740 successful candidates with degrees and awarded Gold medals and Book prizes to the distinguished recipients. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, only 167 recipients were invited to receive Degrees in person. Among the recipients at the convocation, 98 scholars received  Doctor of Philosophy, 63 students were Gold Medalists and 6 students were the winners of Book Prize. The recipients of PhD received their Certificates from Governor Pillai while the other degree certificates were distributed by Prof. KRS Sambasiva Rao, VC, MZU with the assistance from Prof. Lalnundanga, Registrar, MZU. The Registrar then proceeded to conclude the 14^th & 15^th Convocation of MZU with a vote of thanks.