End the ‘West is Best’ Narrative; Education is Key to Nation-Building: Chhattisgarh Governor

RAIPUR,CG,INDIA: Amity University Chhattisgarh hosted its 3rd convocation 2025 for the class of 2024 at Pt. Deendayal Upadhya Auditorium Raipur. Governor of Chhattisgarh, Ramen Deka, in his presidential address emphasized the pivotal role of education in nation-building. He urged educational institutions to take a proactive approach in shaping the country’s future.

He reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality education in the state and stressed that private educational institutions and hospitals should adopt a philanthropic approach rather than focusing on business and commerce. Praising Amity University Chhattisgarh for its remarkable progress as a centre of higher learning.

Deka highlighted the importance of skill development, asserting that if all Indian youth will be skilled, nothing could stop India from becoming a global superpower. He also called for an end to the narrative that “West is the Best” and encouraged giving primary importance to the mother tongue over English.

Reflecting on the historical significance of Chhattisgarh, he noted its contributions dating back to the era of Lord Ram. He laid stress on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Additionally, he emphasized the need for sustainable development, urging the preservation of natural resources like rivers and forests. Encouraging students to work hard and stay dedicated, he reminded them of the sacrifices of their parents and mentors and motivated them to always strive for excellence while valuing patience and friendship.

During the convocation, degrees and medals were conferred upon 676 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral graduates from various disciplines. The graduating cohort included 27 students from B.Arch., 29 from BA (Applied Psychology), 7 from BA (Economics), 16 from BA (English), and 20 from BA (Journalism & Mass Communication). The law programs saw 11 LLM, 33 BA LLB, and 24 BBA LLB graduates. Business and commerce disciplines had a significant presence with 184 BBA and 77 B.Com (H) graduates. Additionally, 25 students from BID, 17 from B.Sc. (Biotechnology), 13 from B.Sc. (IT), 15 from B.Tech. (Biotechnology), and 77 from B.Tech. (CSE) were awarded degrees. The design stream saw 8 B.Des. (Fashion Design) graduates. Among the postgraduate programs, 1 MA (English), 5 MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), 56 MBA, 9 MCA, and 5 M.Sc. (Biotechnology) students received their degrees. The convocation also marked the conferment of doctoral degrees to 16 PhD scholars.

Several outstanding students were honored for their exemplary achievements across various domains. The Shri Baljit Shastri Awards were conferred upon two students for their excellence in upholding human and traditional values. Additionally, one student was recognized with the Best All-Rounder Trophy for his remarkable versatility and overall contributions. Furthermore, 38 students were awarded Salver Certificates in recognition of their exceptional skills in areas such as interpersonal skills, team spirit, business acumen, technical innovation, strategic thinking, leadership qualities, personality enhancement, organizing abilities, excellence in knowledge creation, and the practice of teaching. The prestigious Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan Award, which grants a 100% scholarship, was awarded to 11 students for their outstanding academic performance and dedication. In acknowledgment of academic excellence, 18 students received the Gold Medal, while 15 students were honored with the Silver Medal, and 6 students were presented with the Bronze Medal. Additionally, two students were recognized with Appreciation Certificates for their commendable contributions. Priyanshu Patel (B.Tech CSE) was honored with the Best Allrounder Trophy, while Tushar Pandey (B.Tech CSE) and Asiskaur Kuldeepsingh Gulati (BBA) received the prestigious Shri Baljit Shastri Awards for their excellence.

Dr. B.K. Das, Distinguished Scientist and DG (ECS), DRDO, was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate (D.Sc. Honoris Causa), and Sri Subbiaha Nallu Swamy, Chairman of EICS Group, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) by the University.

Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President of Amity University, encouraged graduates to set a clear mission for their lives, emphasizing that "Values and sanskar will lead you to success." He urged them to work towards uplift and promoting the nation, striving to make India a global superpower. Congratulating the graduates, their parents, and grandparents, he lauded their dedication and hard work in achieving this significant milestone.

Dr. Aseem K. Chauhan, President of Ritnand Balved International Education Foundation & Chairman Amity University Chhattisgarh, expressed confidence in the graduates, stating, "Each of you has the potential to make the world a better place, as Indian talent and intellect are among the best in the world." He urged students to contribute to societal development by applying the lessons of behavioral science, values, and sanskar instilled by Amity University.

Dr. W. Selvamurthy, Chancellor of Amity University Chhattisgarh, stated, "You are all stepping into a new phase of responsibility, and it is essential to remain conscious of the future generations." He emphasized that Amity University is committed to contributing to tribal development and the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Prof (Dr) Piyush Kant Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, presented the convocation report with welcome address. Dr Suresh Dhyani, Registrar, administer oath to the graduands and proposed the vote of thanks.

Gold Medal Recipients

During the convocation, Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, President of RBIEF & Chairman Amity University Chhattisgarh, Dr. Aseem K. Chauhan, Chancellor Amity University Chhattisgarh, Dr. W. Selvamurthy and Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Kant Pandey conferred gold medals upon outstanding students, including  Amisha Nag (BA Hons - Economics), Mansi Dewangan (BCom Hons), Poonam Choudhary (BBA), Priyal Gordiya (MBA), Nikhat Firoz (BSc Hons - Biotechnology), Yashaswi Gaikwad (BTech - Biotechnology), Prayati Adhikarla (BA Hons - Applied Psychology), Saloni Agrawal (MCA), Sakshi Gupta (BSc IT), Aryan Pujari (BA LLB Hons), Annanya Johri (BBA LLB Hons), Harlin Kaur (LLM), Shivam Thakre (BArch), Mansi Agrawal (BID), Nandinee Chakraborty (BA Journalism & Mass Communications), Pratham Jain (BTech - CSE), Tanushree Manna (BA Hons - English), and Nimra (BDes - Fashion Design), in recognition of their academic excellence.