- SDM University hosted its grand convocation ceremony in the presence of Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, the Hon’ble Chancellor.
- Dr. M. Vijayakumar, the Vice-Chancellor of Yenepoya Deemed University (Mangaluru) was the Chief Guest of the event.
- The convocation ceremony was organized under the leadership of Dr. Niranjan Kumar (the Vice-Chancellor of SDM University).
Sattur (Dharwad), 15 December 2022:
Post an elaborate procession march which included all the valedictorians, the HODs and the Guests of Honour, the parade walked into the Kalakshetra complex of the SDM University. The Hon’ble Chancellor Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade declared the convocation ceremony open thereafter.
Dr. Chidendra Shettar, the Registrar was invited on to the podium to welcome the gathering who came to witness this auspicious and special moment. In his opening speech, he pointed out how – the Hon’ble Chancellor Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade doesn’t miss an opportunity to come celebrate with the graduates. He also openly welcomed Dr. M. Vijayakumar, and thanked him for his efforts to come so far to just be a part of this event, and make it extra special for all. Dr. Shettar then thanked all the HODs of the University for being part of this event, which were met with huge applause by their respective outgoing students.
Dr. Niranjan Kumar then took over the podium and started his speech by quoting – “Today is the day of gratitude”. In his speech he insisted that all the graduates should call and talk to those people who have made their journey easy – within 24 hours, so that even they remember your gratitude towards them. Talking about the days before SDM was declared a university, Dr. Niranjan Kumar shared a small story regarding an inspector asking him an innocent, but profound question – “Why do you want to start a university, and what is the purpose behind it?”. He found the question intriguing back then, and even though he doesn’t remember the exact answer he gave, he states that he’s sure of what the aim is and will remain, and accordingly SDM University is successful in giving back to the society – capable professionals of tomorrow.
Subsequently, Dr. Vijaya Kumar, the VC of Yenepoya University was invited to express his thoughts. He welcomed the gathering by doing Namaskara, and stated – “The main reason for me being present in this event, is because the Hon’ble Chancellor Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade is a part of it”. He also recalled his fond association with the Hon’ble Chancellor and how they worked together towards creating a cancer institute when he was the Director at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology Cancer Research and Training Centre, Bengaluru. Continuing in his speech he shared his ideas on how the degree achieved is just a license to practice the profession, but doesn’t guarantee excellence. He motivated all the students to continue learning, and never stop. After a moving speech, the Hon’ble Chancellor was kindly invited to impart his speech to the audience.
The Hon’ble Chancellor thanked everyone who was a part of this event, and he went on to share an interesting story. He stated – “Whenever I meet parents, they come to me saying – My kid doesn’t study, and always my answer was and is – create a goal and they will start working towards it”. Through his speech he emphasized on the importance of having a vision and a goal in life, irrespective of the career. In conclusion he shared – “Under the leadership of all the renowned personalities like Dr. Niranjan Kumar and others, and with the blessings of Manjunatha Swamy let us all work towards becoming a renowned university – worldwide”.
The event then concluded with valedictorians receiving medals, cash awards and acknowledgements from the esteemed panel of guests.
