03.09.2024: 21st Convocation Ceremony of the Symbiosis International University

21st Convocation Ceremony of the Symbiosis International University | 3 September 2024

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharath Mata, the Most Powerful and the Most Merciful.

Smt Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India

Prof (Dr.) S B Mujumdar, Founder and President, Symbiosis International University,

Dr Smt Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor

Dr Rajiv Yeravdekar, Provost

Dr Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice Chancellor

President and Members of the Symbiosis International Students Council

Deans, Directors and Heads of Symbiosis institutions,

Invitees

Faculty

Dear graduating students,

Parents and siblings watching the Convocation online

I am delighted to be in your midst for the 21st Convocation of the Symbiosis International (Deemed) University.

I understand that many students from the countries of Asia, Africa and other continents are passing out and moving on to the next higher level in education and career in their lives.

I congratulate each one of the graduating students who are receiving their degrees today for their excellent academic performance.

Graduation years are the best years in one’s life. I am sure, long after you would have entered into a career of your choice, you will remember the best times you spent in India, in this vibrant city of Pune, in the company of your friends, within the campus, and more particularly outside it ! The friends you made here will stay with you in the moments of joy and sorrow long after you will have parted ways. Importantly, all of you will be goodwill ambassadors of India in your own countries.

Dear friends,

Allow me to congratulate the Chancellor and President of Symbiosis Dr S B Mujumdar, Pro Chancellor Smt Vidya Yeravdekar, the Vice Chancellor, Faculty members, staff, distinguished invitees and parents on this occasion.

Since its establishment more than 5 decades ago, Symbiosis has emerged as one of the finest educational institutions in the country.

Indian scriptures talked of the noble concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or the whole world is like a family. ‘Symbiosis’ is a shining example of the dictum.

Dear friends,

Studying in a university like Symbiosis gives one a global exposure. Apart from gaining knowledge, insights and skills, you live in a culturally diverse ambience.

That makes you a broad minded and liberal person.

In today’s globalizing workplace, organizations actively seek candidates with an understanding of cultural differences. Unlike five decades ago, work spaces are becoming inclusive for all sexes and nationalities.

Thirty years ago, Pune was not an IT city. There were not many jobs in the field of Information Technology. Today, Pune has become an IT city creating thousands of jobs.

Like IT, many new sectors have emerged. It is likely that most of you will be engaged in jobs during your lifetime that do not even exist today.

So, it is important for you to learn critical skills and transferrable competencies.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning could make many jobs redundant. But A I is also creating newer jobs.

Graduates who are conversant with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will definitely have an added advantage.

Friends,

I understand that there are students from Afghanistan, Mauritius, Somalia, Uganda, Madagascar, Thailand, Yemen, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Sudan, Tanzania, Malawi and many more. I will call upon you to create jobs for your people and for your society.

I want you to think of the people who are living on the peripheries of society because of poverty, deprivation, war, instability and other factors.

Global warming and climate change are no longer subjects of academic discussion.

We are witnessing severe droughts, floods, as well as severe heat waves.

Let us all play our part to preserve and protect environment and Mother Earth,

I was happy to note that Symbiosis offers online degree programs to students across the world and especially to girls from countries including Afghanistan. This is extremely commendable. Symbiosis must share the best classroom lectures with students of the world. Let the light of knowledge spread to the nook and corner of the world.

On that note, I congratulate all the beloved graduating students once again. I wish you well in your life. God bless you.

Dhanyawad

Jai Hind ! Jai Maharashtra !