Bathinda, May 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, virtually graced the 11th Convocation of the Central University of Punjab. During the event, the university conferred 1073 PG/Ph.D. Degrees and awarded 44 Gold Medals were awarded to meritorious students.
At the outset, Chancellor Prof. Jagbir Singh and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India; Guests of Honour Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Moudgil, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court; and Special Guest Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ramesh Chander Dimri, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, who attended the ceremony virtually.
The university authorities also welcomed distinguished guests Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, and Prof. (Dr.) Ratan Gupta, Executive Director, AIIMS Bathinda, upon their arrival at the venue.
The convocation ceremony, held at the university campus, witnessed the presence of academicians from reputed higher educational institutions of Punjab, members of statutory bodies, deans, directors, faculty members, students, and their proud parents.
During the event, the Chief Justice of India also virtually inaugurated the University Library Building, constructed over a built-up area of 31,410 sq. ft. at an estimated cost of ₹14.40 crore, further strengthening the university’s academic and research infrastructure.
Addressing the august gathering virtually as the Chief Guest, Mr. Justice Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India, congratulated the graduating students and gold medalists and described the convocation as a celebration of academic excellence and the aspirations of modern India.
He acknowledged the invaluable role of parents, teachers, mentors, and well-wishers in shaping students’ success and remarked that no journey of achievement is completed alone.
Expressing his desire to attend the ceremony in person, Mr. Justice Surya Kant said that despite participating online due to unavoidable reasons, he felt deeply connected with the university community and emphasized that “digital distance need not become emotional distance.”
Appreciating the remarkable progress of Central University of Punjab, he described the university as a vibrant multidisciplinary institution promoting academic excellence, diversity, collaboration, and scientific temper among students from across the country and abroad. He observed that universities like CU Punjab play a vital role in strengthening the foundations of nation-building.
The Chief Guest emphasized the importance of constitutional values, ethical conduct, integrity, and compassion in today’s rapidly evolving technological world.
While acknowledging the opportunities created by digital advancement, he also cautioned against emerging ethical challenges in the rapidly evolving digital era.
Urging students to remain humble and socially responsible, he stated that a degree marks the beginning of greater responsibilities towards society and the nation. Concluding his address, Mr. Justice Surya Kant encouraged graduates to uphold kindness, empathy, and human values while contributing meaningfully towards building an inclusive and progressive society.
Distinguished Guest, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja (Director IIT Ropar) congratulated the graduating students and described the convocation as a “festival of achievement” marking an important milestone in their lives.
Appreciating the steady progress of Central University of Punjab, he praised the university’s strong research culture and encouraged students to embrace innovation, research, and lifelong learning in today’s rapidly evolving technological world.
Prof. Ahuja reminded the graduates that they are now alumni and ambassadors of the university and urged them to contribute to their alma mater through their achievements and service.
Advising students to avoid shortcuts in life, he encouraged them to work hard, enhance their knowledge, become innovators and job creators, and contribute towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat” through dedication and teamwork.
Distinguished Guest Prof. (Dr.) Ratan Gupta (Executive Director AIIMS, Bathinda) described the convocation as an important milestone in students’ lives and said that education is not only about earning a degree or securing a job, but also about building character and values.
He encouraged students to continue lifelong learning and emphasized the role of higher educational institutions in nurturing responsible and ethical citizens. Stressing the importance of interdisciplinary education and innovation, he urged students to use their knowledge for the welfare of society and nation-building.
Presenting the university report, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari expressed pride in hosting the Chief Justice of India and described him as a symbol of the aspirations of India’s hardworking middle class.
While presenting the university’s progress report, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari highlighted the university’s commitment towards academic excellence, skill development, and fostering a culture of innovation.
He also showcased CU Punjab’s achievements in academics, research, extracurricular activities, and infrastructure development, which have helped the university secure prominent positions in national and international rankings.
Prof. Tiwari further stated that the university has made significant strides towards realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and research through initiatives such as the NIDHI i-TBI Incubator, E-Yuva Centre, Idea Lab, NABL Accredited Food Testing Laboratory, and Central Instrumentation Laboratory.
Describing the convocation as a “Satvik moment” organized in the “Tapovan of Knowledge,” he urged students to embrace a Bharatiya mindset, adopt greener lifestyles, and contribute towards society and nation-building with ethics, innovation, and social responsibility.
In his Presidential Address, Hon’ble Chancellor Prof. Jagbir Singh congratulated the degree recipients and urged them to embark on their post-academic journey with innovative ideas and a pursuit of their passions.
The Chancellor urged students to follow the path of truth, humanity, and moral values while placing the nation above personal interests. Quoting the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji — “Vidya Vichari Tan Parupkari” — he inspired graduates to acquire true wisdom by dedicating their knowledge and efforts to the service of humanity.
At the commencement of the convocation ceremony, Registrar Dr. Vijay Sharma led the academic procession carrying the university flag and later delivered the formal vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme.
Degrees and Gold Medals Awarded
During the 11th Convocation Ceremony, Central University of Punjab conferred 981 postgraduate degrees and 92 Ph.D. degrees upon students from across India and abroad. The university also honoured 44 meritorious students with gold medals for their outstanding academic performance.
Notably, women students constituted 52.1% of the postgraduate degree recipients and 61.36% of the gold medal awardees, reflecting their remarkable academic achievements.
Box Item: Cultural Significance of the Convocation Ceremony
The convocation ceremony reflected Indian traditions and the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. Students were dressed in traditional white khadi attire, with male students wearing khadi kurta-pajamas and female students dressed in khadi sarees or salwar-kameez. Faculty members adorned traditional Phulkari stoles, adding cultural vibrancy to the event.
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