Bathinda, April 10
Punjab Governor and Chancellor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Gulab Chand Kataria, presided over the university’s third convocation ceremony on Thursday, delivering a visionary address that placed students at the centre of India’s journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and the revival of its status as a global knowledge leader—“Vishwaguru.”
A total of 184 degrees were conferred, including 115 undergraduate, 56 postgraduate, and 13 Ph.D. degrees, marking a significant academic milestone for the university. Addressing the gathering, the Governor described the convocation as a celebration of perseverance, dedication, and academic excellence. He congratulated the graduating students and acknowledged the pivotal role of parents and teachers in shaping their success.
Emphasising the transformative power of education, Kataria underlined that knowledge is the driving force behind societal progress and national development. Recalling India’s historic legacy as a global centre of learning, he called upon the youth to lead the nation’s resurgence as a Vishwaguru, guided by innovation, ethics, and a spirit of service. Highlighting the importance of Viksit Bharat 2047, he urged students to actively contribute to nation-building by excelling in emerging domains such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, green energy, and space technology. He encouraged them to become job creators rather than job seekers, translating knowledge into impactful solutions for real-world challenges.
The Governor stressed that technical education plays a critical role in strengthening human resources, boosting industrial productivity, and enhancing quality of life, making it a cornerstone in achieving the vision of a developed India. He called for stronger industry-academia collaboration, promotion of entrepreneurship, and a focus on innovation-driven growth.
Underscoring the role of youth as change-makers, Kataria urged students to embrace innovation, resilience, and calculated risk-taking, noting that failures are stepping stones to success and that learning must remain a lifelong pursuit. He also emphasised social responsibility, calling upon the youth to contribute towards building a drug-free Punjab and a more inclusive, compassionate society.
Drawing inspiration from India’s rich heritage, he referred to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Guru Ki Kashi) as a historic centre of learning where Guru Gobind Singh compiled the Guru Granth Sahib, highlighting the enduring relevance of value-based education in shaping enlightened citizens.
Quoting former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he encouraged students to dream big, remain determined, and uphold humility in their achievements.
The Governor lauded MRSPTU’s rapid progress since its establishment in 2015, noting its emergence as a hub of innovation and quality education. He highlighted key achievements including NAAC accreditation in its first cycle, recognition under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, and the offering of over 125 academic programmes. He also appreciated the university’s growing research ecosystem, citing its presence in ARIIA and NIRF Pharmacy rankings, along with advanced facilities such as the BCL-AICTE IDEA Lab and a Food Testing Laboratory supported by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The recognition of six faculty members among the world’s top 2 per cent scientists was noted as a reflection of its rising academic stature.
Concluding his address, the Governor expressed confidence that MRSPTU will continue to scale new heights in technical education, research, and innovation, and that its students will play a defining role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and restoring India’s place as a Vishwaguru. Kataria commended the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma and his team for their efforts in establishing MRSPTU as a reputable institution committed to excellence.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma presented the annual report, outlining the university’s achievements and growth trajectory, and expressed gratitude to the Governor for his inspiring address.
