Dibrugarh University Celebrates 24th Convocation with Focus on Digital Leadership
Governor and university chancellor Lakshman Prasad Acharya presided over the 24th convocation ceremony of Dibrugarh University on Thursday, delivering a powerful address that emphasized the critical role of students in navigating a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Governor's Call to Action in the Digital Age
Addressing the assembled graduates, faculty, and distinguished guests, Acharya commended the university's high academic standards while issuing a compelling challenge. "We are living in an era in which artificial intelligence, the digital revolution, and automation are redefining our economy and social structures," he declared. "You are the generation that will determine the direction and destiny of India. Therefore, in this digital revolution we must not remain mere passengers, but become its drivers."
The governor specifically highlighted Dibrugarh's unique identity as the "Tea City of India," noting how the region's vast tea gardens, natural beauty, and enterprising spirit have shaped its character. He connected this local heritage to the global technological shifts, urging students to leverage their education for national progress.
Distinguished Guests and Ethical Considerations
The ceremony featured noted literary figure and Sahitya Akademi awardee Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bora as chief guest. Recalling his personal connection to Dibrugarh, where he initially came to pursue medical studies, Bora expressed profound delight at returning in such an honored capacity. While encouraging students to maintain curiosity about technological advancements, he issued a crucial warning about ethics.
"Ethical considerations must not be overlooked," Bora stressed, particularly in fields like robotic surgery where precision must be balanced with human responsibility. His remarks added depth to the convocation's theme of responsible innovation.
University Achievements and Digital Transformation
Vice-chancellor Prof. Jiten Hazarika, in his welcome address, framed the university not merely as an educational institution but as a catalyst for national transformation. He highlighted several significant accomplishments:
- The physics department has earned national recognition and secured a position in the prestigious Nature Index
- All convocation certificates will now be available in digital format, making Dibrugarh University the first state university in Assam to implement such a system
- The university's research profile continues to grow with increasing national impact
Honorary Degrees and Student Recognition
The convocation ceremony included the conferral of honorary degrees to distinguished individuals:
- Poet and novelist Mamang Dai of Arunachal Pradesh, recipient of the 2017 Sahitya Akademi Award, received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree
- Eminent surgeon Dr. Sarbeswar Bhuyan of Assam Medical College was honored with an honorary Doctor of Science degree for his humanitarian medical service
Of the 12,266 students who applied to receive degrees, 1,971 attended in person. The graduating class included:
- 126 doctoral degree recipients
- 42 gold medal awardees for academic excellence
- Notable award winners: Bipanchi Hazarika (Department of Anthropology) received the Dr. Junali Kropi Memorial Gold Medal and Endowment Award, while Poli Dutta (Department of Education) was awarded the Dr. Kamalakanta Borgohain Memorial Fellowship Award
The 24th convocation of Dibrugarh University thus marked not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a forward-looking commitment to technological leadership, ethical advancement, and digital transformation in higher education.
