President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday presided over the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab), Bathinda, highlighting the institution’s academic excellence, diverse student body, and commitment to research. Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, she praised Punjab’s rich cultural legacy, Sikh heritage, and contributions to education while urging students to embrace curiosity, originality, and morality in their professional and personal lives.
The event saw the conferment of 1,091 postgraduate and PhD degrees, along with 43 gold medals to meritorious students. Additionally, five eminent personalities were honoured with Honorary Causa (DLitt) degrees for their exceptional contributions to academia, culture, and social progress. The President personally conferred nine gold medals, underscoring the rising prominence of women in higher education, as 65 percent of this year’s gold medals were awarded to female students.
President Murmu, in her address, commended CU Punjab’s diverse student body, which includes learners from all Indian states, Union Territories, and 20 foreign countries. She noted that this cultural confluence makes the university a true representation of India’s rich heritage and national integration, aligning with the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
She particularly praised the university’s focus on Diaspora and Migration Studies, recognizing its relevance in today’s globalized world. “The study of migration is vital in Punjab, a land deeply connected with the diaspora,” she said, applauding the faculty’s research efforts in this domain.
Drawing attention to Punjab’s spiritual and historical importance, President Murmu remarked that students of CU Punjab are fortunate to receive education near Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, the revered Sikh religious site also known as Guru Ki Kashi.
Lauding Punjab’s vibrant folk culture during a civic reception hosted by the Punjab Government at the Indian School of Business in Mohali in the evening, the President humorously stated that watching Bhangra could uplift even the most unwell individual, making them feel like dancing. She also acknowledged Punjab’s culinary influence worldwide, noting how lassi, dahi, and paranthas have found a place in international cuisines.
Honorary Degrees Bestowed Upon Eminent Personalities
In a moment of prestige, Honorary Causa (DLitt) degrees were bestowed upon five distinguished personalities, including an eminent agricultural economist Padma Bhushan Prof Sardara Singh Johl; veteran actor, social worker, and cultural ambassador Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher; renowned economist and chairman of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister Padma Bhushan Prof (Dr) Bibek Debroy (posthumously); distinguished Buddhist scholar Phunchok Stobdan; and noted academician contributing to education and societal development Prof Karam Tej Singh Sarao.
Grand Civic Reception in Mohali
Following the convocation, President Murmu received a rousing civic reception from the Punjab Government at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali — marking a historic visit as the first Indian President to stay at Punjab Raj Bhavan for two consecutive days. The event, attended by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya, and the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Sheel Nagu, celebrated Punjab’s academic, economic, and cultural legacy.
Welcoming the President, CM Mann called her visit a “red-letter day in Punjab’s history”, emphasizing that every Punjabi was proud to host her on this sacred land of Gurus, saints, and warriors. He expressed confidence that her presence at Central University of Punjab (Bathinda) and Panjab University (Chandigarh) would inspire students to strive for excellence.
Hailing President Murmu’s journey of resilience and achievement, Mann compared her rise to that of global leaders like Abraham Lincoln, highlighting how hard work, vision, and commitment can break barriers. Praising Punjab’s contribution to the nation, Mann said: “Punjab is not just the food bowl of India but also its sword arm, known for courage, resilience, and enterprise.”
President to Preside Over PU’s 72nd Convocation Today
President Droupadi Murmu will preside over Panjab University’s 72nd Convocation on Wednesday marking a historic moment as she becomes the sixth Indian President to address the university’s convocation. The event will see the conferral of 812 PhD degrees, 70 gold medals, and several prestigious honorary degrees, including Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) to mathematician Dr RJ Hans-Gill and Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) to social worker Sushri Nivedita Raghunath Bhide.
Prominent personalities such as Dr Gurtej Singh Sandhu (Vigyan Ratna), Dr Harmohinder Singh Bedi (Sahitya Ratna), and Olympian shooter Manu Bhaker (Khel Ratna) will also be honoured for their contributions.
With extensive preparations complete, the convocation will be live-streamed on PU’s official YouTube and Facebook pages. For security and logistical arrangements, March 12 has been declared a holiday for all PU departments.
