Jaipur University Extends 'Special Gratitude' to Deputy CM Following Convocation Disruption
Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication in Jaipur issued an official statement on Friday expressing special gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister Prem Chand Bairwa. This acknowledgment comes in response to his participation in distributing degrees to students during the university's third convocation ceremony held on Wednesday.
Student Protest Disrupts Ceremony
The statement was released following significant disruptions during the convocation, where students protested over not being given their degrees from the main stage. According to university officials, only 12 gold medallists received their awards directly from the dais, leading to visible discontent among the graduating class.
The university described the protest by students during the formal ceremony as unfortunate and disappointing, emphasizing that the event was conducted according to the schedule approved by Raj Bhavan.
Ceremony Details and Official Response
Vice-Chancellor Prof Nand Kishore Pandey provided detailed clarification about the convocation proceedings:
- A total of 271 students who passed their final examinations in 2024 and 2025 were awarded degrees
- The governor and chancellor, who presided over the ceremony, presented 12 gold medals and two PhD degrees from the dais
- The Governor participated in group photographs with degree recipients from both faculties on stage
Prof Pandey explained the university's position regarding degree distribution: It is not customary at universities for every student to receive a degree individually from the dais by the Governor. The event concluded on time, after which some students demanded that all degrees be handed over directly by the governor, a request which was not feasible under the pre-determined schedule.
Deputy CM's Extended Participation
Following the disruption, Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa agreed to distribute degrees directly to students. According to the vice-chancellor, Bairwa stood for nearly two hours to personally confer the degrees, demonstrating commitment to addressing student concerns despite the unconventional circumstances.
Student Reaction and University Condemnation
During the degree distribution, one of the protesting students, Sara Ismail, who received a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication, made a pointed remark while accepting her degree from Bairwa. Turning to the audience, she stated: Thank you for giving us this honour after insulting us.
The university promptly responded to this incident, stating that it condemns the inappropriate remark made by the student during the formal ceremony. University officials emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum during academic functions while acknowledging the students' desire for recognition.
The convocation controversy highlights ongoing tensions between institutional protocols and student expectations in higher education ceremonies. While the university maintains that procedures were followed correctly, the protest underscores the emotional significance students attach to graduation rituals and their desire for personal acknowledgment of academic achievements.
