Goa University Honors 15,400 Graduates at 36th Annual Convocation Ceremony
In a grand ceremony held on Saturday, Goa University conferred degrees upon a total of 15,400 students during its 36th convocation. The event, marked by academic pride and inspirational addresses, saw the distribution of graduation, post-graduate, diploma, and doctoral degrees to the graduating class of 2024.
Emphasis on Translational Research for Societal Impact
Delivering the keynote address, Abhay Karandikar, Secretary for the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, urged the new graduates to focus on research that translates into real-world solutions. He stressed that true transformation stems from translational research, which directly links laboratory findings to the everyday lives of ordinary citizens.
Karandikar elaborated, "The future envisioned for Vikasit Bharat 2047 cannot be built on theory alone. Real change emerges from action—from research that connects labs to people. The value of research lies not just in peer-reviewed journals, but in developing prototypes, patents, products, and policies that address societal challenges. This is where science truly meets society."
He highlighted examples such as artificial intelligence improving public services, IoT devices revolutionizing healthcare, and digital tools empowering the informal economy. Karandikar called on students to become socially conscious engineers, scientists, and innovators, ensuring technology bridges divides and fosters inclusive, sustainable progress.
Celebrating Goan Heritage and Academic Excellence
Goa University Chancellor and Goa Governor P A Gajapathi Raju addressed the graduating students, encouraging them to take pride in their Goan roots. He cited the life of renowned poet Manohar Rai Sardesai as a powerful lesson in balancing local identity with global excellence.
Governor Raju stated, "Excellence does not require erasing who you are; it requires refining it. Sardesai read deeply when recognition was scarce and wrote persistently for small audiences. He believed that regional literature and local culture are not inferior echoes but living traditions deserving national and global attention."
Breakdown of Degrees Awarded
Vice-Chancellor Harilal B Menon provided a detailed breakdown of the degrees conferred:
- 15,036 students received graduation degrees
- 2,176 students were awarded post-graduate degrees
- 138 students received diplomas
- 129 students earned doctoral degrees
The convocation ceremony underscored Goa University's commitment to fostering academic achievement while promoting research with tangible societal benefits and cultural pride.
