25.06.2024 : International Students Convocation of the Symbiosis International Cultural Centre organized by Symbiosis International University

International Students Convocation of the Symbiosis International Cultural Centre organized by Symbiosis International University | 25th June 2024

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

Mr Babucarr Secka, President, Symbiosis International Students Council

Deans, Directors and Heads of Symbiosis institutions,

Invitees

Faculty

Dear graduating students,

Parents watching the Convocation online

I am delighted to be in your midst for the 2024 International Students’ Convocation of the Symbiosis International Cultural Centre being organized by Symbiosis International (Deemed University).

As Chancellor of 28 state-supported universities in Maharashtra, I often attend the Convocation ceremonies of various universities in the State. However, I must say, this is a unique Convocation ceremony.

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.

This is a day of fulfilment especially for your parents and siblings. They have invested their present so that you will have a better future.

There may be some parents who may invested the entire earnings of their life in educating you.

Even though they may be living thousands of miles away, this day belongs to them as well. Let us take a moment to thank them.

I am proud to see a significant number of women graduates here. I wish and hope that the number of girl students coming to India for higher studies and research will further increase in the years to come. My special congratulations to all the women graduates.

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.

Dear friends,

Allow me to congratulate the Founder and President of Symbiosis Dr S B Mujumdar, Pro Chancellor Smt Vidya Yeravdekar, the Provost, 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.

Dr Mujumdar was a professor of Botany for nearly 2 decades. The sapling of Symbiosis planted by him and nurtured with great care has since evolved into a healthy tree. It has been providing knowledge and enlightenment to all those sat under its canopy and foliage.

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.

I convey my appreciation to Dr Mujumdar. He is stepping into his 90th birthday next month. I want you to join me in conveying to him our felicitations on his 90th birthday.

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. From now on, your resume will stand out because of the degree Symbiosis listed on it.

In today’s globalizing workplace, organizations and employers 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. 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 in the jobs.

Friends,

Instead of running after secure jobs, I will appeal to you to become innovator, entrepreneur, business leader and creators of startups.

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. ‘Don’t be job seekers; be job creators!’

Friends,

Convocation also marks the beginning of a new phase of responsibility.

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.

We have to think what best we can do as individuals and through the organizations that you will be serving, to address poverty and inequality in your country.

As graduates and post graduates, some of you will become teachers, professors, business leaders, entrepreneurs, lawyers, etc. Many of you will find positions in the business world, Corporates and government organizations.

But I will appeal to you to also think of joining the realm of public service. Through public service you can help your society, your people and your nation to create a better world.

As a youth, I was a fairly good NCC cadet. I could have been a successful Army Officer. But I entered politics. I won the Municipal, State Assembly and Parliamentary Elections without ever losing.

After nearly 50 years, I feel satisfied that I could do fairly good for my society, for my city and for my people because of my work in public life.

Friends,

You not only citizens of your own country, but you are also citizens of the world. As citizens of the world, you must be conscious of the problems faced by the world.

Global warming and climate change are no longer subjects of academic discussion. We are witnessing severe droughts, floods, as well as severe heat waves.

These changes are likely to become more pronounced in the coming decades, presenting challenges to our society and our environment. Let us all play our part to preserve and protect environment and Mother Earth.

Universities are an integral part of the society in which they operate. It is therefore incumbent upon universities that they are alive and sensitive to the problems of the people, society and the nation.

I was happy to know that the Symbiosis university has taken various health and education initiatives for the empowerment of the people in the neighbouring villages. Initiatives like Family Doctor Clinic and Mobile Medical Unit to serve the larger neighbourhood is commendable.

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.

Thank you!