Rajkot: Women students emerged as the standout achievers at Saurashtra University’s 61st convocation ceremony on Thursday, securing an impressive 105 of the 132 gold medals awarded this year.The convocation was held under the presidency of Gujarat governor and chancellor Acharya Devvrat, with minister of state for education Trikam Chhanga and noted scientist Prof K S Narayan, president of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, among those present.A total of 45,924 students from 16 faculties were conferred degrees during the ceremony. In addition, 145 students received 227 prizes, while 115 achievers were honoured with 132 gold medals. The medal winners comprised 105 female students and 27 male students.Delivering the convocation address, governor Devvrat said that true education is reflected in one’s commitment to social responsibility. Calling upon young graduates to play an active role in nation-building, he said India was witnessing rapid transformation through modern infrastructure and technological advancement, citing expanding road networks, modern railway stations, Vande Bharat and bullet train projects.Devvrat also highlighted India’s growing strength as an exporter of science and technology, defence equipment, helicopters, aircraft and space technology, while pointing to the country’s unprecedented startup growth.Quoting the timeless principle ‘Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara‘ (speak the truth and follow righteousness), the governor urged graduates to uphold integrity and embrace a ‘Nation First‘ approach in their personal and professional lives. In a light-hearted reference to the medal tally, he also encouraged young men to draw inspiration from the female students who had excelled at the ceremony.Minister Chhanga described the graduating students as the architects of India’s future. He said the National Education Policy (NEP), guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, is helping align education with skill development, innovation and holistic growth.Chhanga also praised governor Devvrat’s efforts to promote natural farming and called upon young people to use social media responsibly, stressing that it should be utilised for positive, constructive and productive purposes.Guest speaker Prof Narayan said receiving a degree should be viewed not as an end, but as the beginning of a new journey toward realising the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.‘ Referring to India’s achievements in space exploration, UPI and digital technology, he encouraged graduates to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, while remaining firmly rooted in human values, ethics, empathy and creativity.Earlier, vice-chancellor Utpal Joshi delivered the welcome address and outlined the university’s achievements and progress.
