Governor Anandiben Patel urges graduates to contribute to Viksit Bharat through innovation, hard work and service
Meerut: The 19th Convocation of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT) was held with grandeur on Monday, with 450 students receiving degrees across various disciplines. The ceremony was presided over by Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor of the University Anandiben Patel, who called upon graduates to channel their knowledge, innovation and commitment towards nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The convocation was attended by Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker and Banas Dairy Chairman Shankarbhai Chaudhary as the chief guest. Atul Dhirajlal Patel, great-grandson of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, and Minister of State for Agriculture Baldev Singh Aulakh were present as distinguished guests.
Degrees were conferred on 450 students, while meritorious students from different faculties were honoured with gold, silver and bronze medals. Ashutosh Sharma, a student of BVSc & Animal Husbandry, received the prestigious Chancellor's Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance. Sponsored gold medals, the Best Teacher Award and the Outstanding Woman Teacher Award were also presented during the ceremony.
Recognising outstanding work in the state's vaccination campaign, the District Magistrate and Chief Development Officer of Baghpat were honoured with certificates of appreciation. Anganwadi workers from Baghpat were also felicitated and provided with children's chairs, tricycles, toys and other gifts.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Anandiben Patel said a convocation is not merely a ceremony for awarding degrees but a celebration of knowledge, values and commitment to national service. She said the degrees symbolise the hard work of students, the guidance of teachers and the sacrifices made by parents.
"The knowledge and skills acquired by students should not remain confined to personal success but must be utilised for the welfare of farmers, villages, society and the nation," she said.
Highlighting the role of the university, the Governor said SVPUAT has emerged as a leading centre for agricultural education, animal husbandry, rural entrepreneurship, food processing, innovation and farmer welfare in western Uttar Pradesh. She appreciated the university's efforts in disseminating modern agricultural technologies to farmers, livestock owners, rural youth and women through education, research and extension activities.
She said the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 can only be achieved if young people embrace knowledge, science, innovation, ethical values and a spirit of service. Stressing the importance of self-reliance, digital agriculture, startups and sustainable management of natural resources, she urged graduates to contribute actively to national development.
The Governor also advocated greater collaboration among educational and research institutions on the lines of ISRO's cooperative model and said initiatives like connecting universities through Banas Dairy would strengthen innovation and research. She asked government officials to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reach the last person in society.
Referring to women entrepreneurs, Anandiben Patel said many women, despite lacking formal education, have built businesses worth crores through determination and hard work. She encouraged students to draw inspiration from such examples and become self-reliant. She also suggested that future convocation ceremonies be expanded into a 15-day "Dikshotsav", involving farmers, women and rural children through awareness and skill-development programmes.
Chief guest Shankarbhai Chaudhary said modern technologies, artificial intelligence and digital agriculture have the potential to significantly enhance farm productivity and increase farmers' incomes. Atul Dhirajlal Patel urged graduates to pursue innovation and creativity while contributing to nation-building.
Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said the Uttar Pradesh government is creating vast opportunities for young professionals in agricultural research, biotechnology, food processing, artificial intelligence, drone technology, digital agriculture and agri-startups. He encouraged students to become job creators instead of merely seeking employment.
Minister of State Baldev Singh Aulakh said true education is meaningful only when it is dedicated to the welfare of society and the nation.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Triveni Dutt highlighted the university's academic and research achievements and informed that infrastructure development projects worth nearly Rs 133 crore are currently underway. On the occasion, the university signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Patanjali Bharatiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, to strengthen collaboration in agriculture, Ayurveda and research.
The programme was conducted by Registrar Dr V.P. Singh and Pramila Umrao.
Among those present were Minister of State (Independent Charge) Somendra Tomar, Zila Panchayat Chairperson Gaurav Chaudhary, MLC Dharmendra Bhardwaj, former MP Rajendra Agrawal, former Union Minister Dr Sanjeev Balyan, Meerut District Magistrate Dr V.K. Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Avinash Pandey, members of the university's management council, public representatives, faculty members, students and their families.
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