ASSAM TIMES POST
Guwahati: The 8th convocation of Assam Don Bosco University was held on Saturday at the Tapesia campus of it. Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, the Governor of Assam, presided over the function as the Visitor to the University and delivered the Presidential Address. The Chancellor Fr. Januarius Sangma and the VC Fr. (Dr) Stephen Mavely also spoke at the solemn function.
While delivering his presidential address, Assam Governor Professor Jagadish Mukhi said, ‘The government of India wants to establish the country as an ‘AI Garage’ which means that if a company can deploy an AI technology in India, it will then be applicable for the whole developing world. AI research in India will focus on healthcare-increasing access and affordability of quality healthcare; agriculture-enhancing farmer’s income, farm productivity and reduction of wastage; education-improving access and quality of education; smart cities and infrastructure-efficient connectivity for the burgeoning urban population; and smart mobility and transportation-for smarter and safer modes of transportation and better traffic and congestion problems.’
The Governor further stated that NITI Aayog’s policy to make India ‘the AI garage of the world’ has developed a very unique approach for its national AI strategy by leveraging it not only for economic and military growth, but also for social inclusion, calling it, ‘AI for all’. This strategy, aims to enhance and empower young Indians with the skills to find quality jobs, invest in research sectors that can maximise economic growth and social impact and scale Indian-made AI solutions that can be implemented to the rest of the developing world, added the Governor. While appreciating ADBU, the Governor also said that the University is creating and disseminating knowledge and skills in core as well as frontier areas of education, developing reservoir of youth power, which effectively participate in nation building.
The Chancellor of the University Fr. Januarius Sangma said, ‘Universities should contribute in a concrete way to upholding democratic values that will help our country and humankind in general. Respect, fraternity, dignity for every kind of work, non-violence, standing for truth and principles, upholding the dignity of life, compassion, kindness—these are but some of the values that we need to live for. This is how we build a nation; this is how we build humanity.’
Giving a report on the University, the Vice Chancellor Fr (Dr) Stephen Mavely said, ‘ADBU is becoming a nerve centre for the development of the North Eastern Region. The University has taken up development initiatives in 42 villages that surround the University. It is an ideal location for the packed extension and social commitment programmes of the University.
It’s in our plans to ensure that every graduate of our University will have committed themselves to several months of meaningful social work during the course of their study at the University.’ Total of 816 degrees were conferred here.
Under the online education programme 191 from across the globe were also conferred degrees in various disciplines. Gold Medals under various categories were awarded to 20 outstanding graduates with the highest CGPA in each program. The Chancellor’s and the VC’s medals, for overall outstanding performance and notable contribution to campus life were awarded to two graduating students at the Convocation.
