Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor of state universities, Anandiben Patel, presided over the 48th Convocation Ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, on Tuesday. A total of 63,183 students, including 41,000 female students and 22,183 male students, were awarded degrees in undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes.
During the ceremony, gold medals were presented to 26 meritorious students, including 20 female students and six male students, along with two outstanding sportspersons. The Governor congratulated all degree and medal recipients, highlighting the remarkable achievements of girl students in academics and other fields.
Praising the success of female students, Patel said their achievements reflected their talent, dedication, hard work and determination. She expressed confidence that women graduates would continue to create new milestones and contribute significantly to society and nation-building.
HPV Vaccination Campaign Begins in Chandauli
On the occasion, an HPV vaccination campaign inspired by the Governor was launched in Chandauli district. The initiative aims to provide three lakh free doses of the HPV vaccine to around 1.50 lakh girls across eight aspirational districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Under the campaign, a target has been set to vaccinate 20,316 girls in Chandauli. As part of the launch programme, 600 girls, including daughters of police personnel working in Varanasi and Chandauli, received HPV vaccination.
The campaign follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 4, 2026, between Jan Bhawan, Lucknow, and the Serum Institute of India, Pune, for implementing the HPV vaccination programme in the state.
Students Urged to Follow Gandhi’s Ideals
Addressing the convocation, Governor Patel said Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth represents the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, who transformed the world through the principles of truth and non-violence.
“Gandhiji was not merely an individual but an idea. His life demonstrated that history can be changed through truth, peace and determination,” she said, urging students to incorporate Gandhi’s values into their lives.
She called upon students to become responsible citizens with knowledge, skills, innovation capabilities and sensitivity towards Indian culture and social responsibilities.
New Opportunities in Shipping Sector
The Governor praised the achievements of the convocation’s chief guest, Captain B.K. Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director of Shipping Corporation of India, Mumbai.
She said Tyagi’s journey from joining as a trainee officer in 1990 to leading the organisation reflected discipline, dedication and professional excellence. She directed the university to organise an expert interaction between Captain Tyagi and students interested in the shipping sector to guide them about career opportunities in maritime fields.
Captain Tyagi highlighted the growing potential of maritime and waterways sectors in achieving the vision of Developed India 2047 and encouraged students to explore opportunities in the merchant navy and related industries.
Honorary D.Litt Awarded to Ikat Artisan Y. Sridhar Rao
Governor Patel conferred the honorary D.Litt degree on renowned Telangana-based ikat weaver, innovator and founder of Sri Devi Handlooms, Y. Sridhar Rao.
Appreciating his contribution, she said Rao had brought global recognition to traditional ikat art through innovation, creativity and dedication. She noted that millions of artisans and handloom workers across India were preserving the country’s cultural heritage and their contribution was no less significant than academic achievements.
Focus on Indian Knowledge Tradition and AI Innovation
The Governor called upon universities to preserve India’s rich knowledge traditions, manuscripts and cultural heritage. She highlighted the importance of the Knowledge Bharatam Mission, aimed at documentation and digital preservation of ancient manuscripts.
She urged students and institutions to contribute towards preserving manuscripts and making India’s intellectual heritage accessible to future generations.
Emphasising the role of technology, Patel said the combination of artificial intelligence and Indian languages would shape the future. She encouraged young people not only to become users of technology but also creators who develop solutions for social challenges, strengthen Indian languages and preserve cultural heritage.
She praised initiatives linking AI and data science with Indian languages and said technology should be developed to serve humanity.
Call to Make Water Conservation a Mass Movement
The Governor appealed to students to transform the Prime Minister’s “Catch the Rain” campaign into a people’s movement. She stressed the importance of rainwater harvesting, conservation of water resources and extensive plantation drives.
“Every drop of rainwater saved today will become an invaluable asset for future generations,” she said.
Digital Documents and Better Campus Facilities
Governor Patel said degrees and mark sheets of students have been made available through DigiLocker and encouraged universities to promote digital documentation instead of physical copies.
She directed universities to address shortcomings identified during inspections within one month. She also instructed authorities to ensure better facilities in hostels, including Wi-Fi connectivity, washing machines, nutritious food, improved security arrangements and modern kitchens.
She stressed the need for stronger safety measures in girls’ hostels, enriched libraries, timely completion of pending construction projects, regular inspection of fire safety equipment, functional sewage treatment plants and improved campus cleanliness.
Emphasis on NAAC, NIRF Rankings and Research
The Governor urged Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth to aim for NAAC A++ accreditation and improve its position in NIRF rankings. She called for greater focus on research projects, publication of research papers, innovation and book writing.
She appreciated the university’s initiatives in credit-based courses, semester systems, online education, digital administration, e-content development and paperless office systems.
Governor Patel also praised efforts to integrate Indian knowledge systems with modern education through programmes related to yoga, philosophy, culture, ethics, wellness and music therapy.
Anganwadi Support and Social Initiatives
During the programme, anganwadi kits were distributed to 300 centres in Chandauli. Since January 2025, more than 33,663 kits have been distributed, while 69,443 kits have been provided across Uttar Pradesh through public participation.
As part of the convocation celebrations, various activities including mother-daughter programmes, academic and cultural competitions, traditional sports, book reviews, health check-ups and cleanliness campaigns were organised under “Dikshotsav-2026”.
Winners of these competitions were honoured by the Governor.
Ministers Highlight Role of Youth in Nation Building
Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said being part of the glorious tradition of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth was a matter of pride for students. He urged youth to contribute towards the vision of Developed India 2047.
Minister of State for Higher Education Rajni Tiwari congratulated degree recipients and said they now carried greater responsibilities towards society and the nation.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anand Kumar Tyagi presented the university’s achievements in research, innovation, skill-based education, employment-oriented courses and sports activities.
The ceremony was attended by members of the university’s executive council, faculty members, officials, students, public representatives, anganwadi workers, schoolchildren and other dignitaries.
