Bhagalpur: The ninth convocation of Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) was held on Friday, where Governor-cum-chancellor of universities, Syed Ata Hasnain, conferred degrees upon 443 students who had completed various agricultural courses. The event underscored the increasing participation of women in agricultural studies, as 234 of the graduates were girls and 209 were boys.
Graduates by Degree Level
Among the degree recipients, 339 completed undergraduate programs (BSc in Agriculture), 91 earned postgraduate degrees (MSc), and 13 were awarded PhDs. Notably, seven of the PhD scholars were female researchers, reflecting a positive trend in advanced agricultural research by women.
Awards and Recognitions
The chancellor felicitated Debjit Chakraborty for the best PhD thesis. Dr. Shweta Shambhavi, an associate professor and senior research scientist, received the best teacher award. Additionally, Rakhi Priya, Anshu, Amisha Kumari, Rajat Kumar, Nivedita Deo, Shilpy Kumari, and Sushma Priya were honored for their academic excellence.
Launch of Initiatives and Facilities
Governor Hasnain launched the 'SAMARTH' portal and released several research publications during the convocation. He also inaugurated a newly constructed swimming pool on the campus, planted saplings to promote afforestation, and visited research centers dedicated to climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
Governor's Address
Upon arrival, Hasnain was given a guard of honor. In his address, he emphasized the critical role of education, stating, "The economy of the state of Bihar and the country is based on agriculture, and the benefits of technological advancements and research would bring socio-economic changes in the lives of farmers and society." He motivated the students by saying, "Work is worship," and urged them to become employment providers rather than seekers. "The passing-out students should work with dedication for the state and the nation," he added.
Vice-Chancellor's Remarks
Vice-chancellor D R Singh highlighted the university's global impact through quality education and infrastructure, including smart classrooms and digital systems. Several public representatives and officials were present at the event, marking a significant milestone for the university.
