Kanpur: Women dominated the 41st convocation ceremony of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) on Thursday, with 42 of the 51 medal winners being female students. Uttar Pradesh governor and chancellor Anandiben Patel, who presided over the ceremony, urged students to use their knowledge in the service of the nation and become self-reliant through skill development.The governor also stressed the importance of family values, urging students—particularly women—not to let marriage or family responsibilities prevent them from pursuing their careers and contributing to nation-building.She said, “Just as we wring clothes to separate the water, in the same way, wherever you go in society, wring out your knowledge completely in the service of the nation.” She urged students to acquire practical skills alongside academic qualifications to become self-reliant.Addressing the gathering, the Governor praised the university’s achievements, noting that campus enrolment had increased by 131.7% over the past five years. She said the university’s performance in the NIRF, QS Asia Rankings and the Global Sustainability Index reflected its academic excellence and commitment to quality education.The university awarded 96 medals to 51 meritorious students, including 42 women and nine men, with women accounting for 82.35% of all medal recipients. Patel personally conferred medals on 25 top achievers. The university also awarded PhD degrees to 92 research scholars, including 50 women and 42 men.Commending the university’s digital initiatives, she highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence in administration, research and academics, the launch of the Sustainability Dashboard (STARS) and the online upload of degrees through DigiLocker, urging all students to download their digital certificates.Patel also lauded initiatives such as compulsory courses in music, yoga, sports and moral education, clinical psychology counselling for students, fee concessions for Agniveers’ dependants and skill-based training programmes. She appreciated the university’s outreach through its adopted anganwadis and efforts to improve child enrolment and parental participation.She further advised the university administration to promote energy conservation, strengthen campus cleanliness and security, and create greater awareness about social issues, including maternal health. Describing the convocation as the beginning of a new journey rather than the end of education, she wished all graduates success in their future endeavours.The convocation was held at the Veerangana Rani Lakshmibai Auditorium. AICTE chairperson and Delhi University vice-chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh attended as the chief guest, while Uttar Pradesh Higher Education minister Yogendra Upadhyay and minister of state for higher education Rajni Tiwari were the guests of honour. They were welcomed by VC Prof Vinay Kumar Pathak and Pro-vice-chancellor Prof Sudhir Kumar Awasthi.The convocation of the NAAC A++-accredited university, which also figures in the QS Asian University Rankings, highlighted digital innovation, women’s academic achievements and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
