Manipal 18th November 2022: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) saw an illustrious assembly of guests grace the opening day of the Institution of Eminence’s 30th Convocation Day on Friday, November 18, 2022. Leading the high-profile list was the chief guest—Minister of Defence, Government of India, Shri Rajnath Singh, who delivered the convocation address rallying students to empower the nation through their learnings and youthful enterprise.
Lt Gen (Dr) Madhuri Kanitkar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik, was the guest of honour.

‘Youth Education and Nation Building’ was the crux of the honourable minister’s message to the graduating students. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the youth to innovate, develop new technologies, and set up companies, research establishments & start-ups in the country to realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a strong and self-reliant ‘New India’. Addressing the convocation ceremony of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) , Manipal Shri Rajnath Singh stated that “the world is acknowledging the power of the country’s young, ignited minds, with major companies such as Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and IBM hiring Indians at respectable positions. The Raksha Mantri lauded the Manipal Group of Educational Institutions for their contribution to education and research. He congratulated the graduating students, encouraging them to move forward despite hurdles to create a better future. He extended special congratulations to the girl students, exuding confidence that they will be the pillars of a strong and prosperous ‘New India’.

Dr Rajnath Singh also added,” Manipal Academy of Higher Education is a highly reputed institution for research and innovation around the world. Manipal’s group of educational institutes succeeds and reflects Dr TMA Pai’s values. He is a legendary institutional builder. He was ahead of his time and a visionary personality. Other successes of Dr. TMA Pai are Manipal (MAHE) and the Syndicate bank he founded. Manipal gives emphasis on education and the employability of its students. Mr Satya Nadella is one of the examples of this institute. He is leading Microsoft. I want to see hundreds of Satya Nadella’s from this institution to lead India and the world. Institutions like Manipal have important contributions to the nation”

Shri Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the new building for the Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP) during the visit to MAHE, Manipal. With all modern technology and state-of-the-art facilities, MSAP is totally a GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) compliant energy-efficient Campus

Students were feted for their achievements amidst a host of university dignitaries at KMC Greens, including, Pro-Chancellor Dr H.S. Ballal, Dr Ranjan R Pai, President, MAHE Trust & Chairman Manipal Education & Medical Group (MEMG), Lt Gen (Dr) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, Dr Venkatraya Prabhu, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Dilip G Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Pragna Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Registrar and Dr Vinod V Thomas, Registrar, Evaluation.

The gold medal winners facilitated on day one were Himanshu (Kasturba Medical College, Manipal), Vinita Rosa Monis (Manipal College of Nursing), Satish Nayak (Manipal School of Information Sciences), Shah Diya Hemantkumar (Manipal Institute of Technology), and Aahana Bhambhani (Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration).

Speaking at the occasion, Lt Gen (Dr) Madhuri Kanitkar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik, said, “The pandemic has challenged teachers and students with physical limitations, changing the very fundamentals of learning. It has taught us resilience, and students have adapted and learnt beyond their books. Graduates are now ready to face a future built on sectors we’re discovering in response to the pandemic’s outcomes and the planet’s other concerns. Students with a positive mindset, a qualified skillset, and a curious attitude will succeed, while educators must focus on aligning education to the needs of society.”

Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, added, “The past few years have been especially difficult, but arriving at this occasion is a testament to our students’ grit and spirit. Our graduates truly deserve this moment—they have been exceptional alongside our teaching staff and college administrators. We’re excited to see how they will apply their learnings and impact society and beyond.”

Lt Gen (Dr) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “It is a moment of immense pride to celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments and acknowledge them as they set out to change the world through their dreams, verve, and expertise. We cherish the fact that we’ve been able to mentor and work with this fine group of individuals and watching their development at close quarters has been hugely satisfying and gives us the belief that the future is in good hands.”

Registrar Dr Narayana Sabhahit thanked all the dignitaries present at the occasion and extended heartfelt gratitude to parents, students, and esteemed press and media representatives.