Gujarat Vidyapith, an institute for higher education founded by Mahatma Gandhi, upheld its tradition of organising its convocation ceremonies on October 18.
Gujarat Vidyapith, an institute for higher education founded by Mahatma Gandhi, upheld its tradition of organising its convocation ceremonies on October 18, also the institute's foundation day. This year, however, it became a double delight as the occasion also fell between two auspicious days - Diwali and the New Year.
Lobsang Tenzin, popularly known as Samdhong Rinpoche - the prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, was the chief guest at the convocation ceremony. Chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapith Narayan Desai conferred degrees and diplomas, including 11 PhD, 55 MPhil, 205 masters degree, 180 bachelors and 33 post-graduate diploma, on 704 students. Besides, 48 awards in various categories were also given.
Addressing the students, Rinpoche said, "It is a great achievement for you all to experience the 'simple living, high thinking' of Mahatma Gandhi and also getting an opportunity to imbibe his values and principles. It is more significant than the textbook teaching provided in any other university."
Talking about the four main threats to the mankind, Samdhong Rinpoche said, "Disparity and injustice, violence, depleting environment and religious intolerance are the issues which have the power to destroy the world. But, while the world is on the verge of destruction, we have no options but to follow the path shown by Gandhi and Buddha to save the world."
"Once people would rather sarcastically remark that 'Majboori ka naam Mahatma Gandhi hai'. But, the statement appears to be so accurate in today's context. The world is looking forward to follow Gandhi's principles, with lots of hope," he said.
Declaring Gujarat Vidyapith's moral support to the Tibet's non-violent movement for freedom, chancellor Narayan Desai said, "The movement for Tibet's freedom is the movement of body versus soul and materialism versus sacrifice. Gujarat Vidyapith extends its moral support to the Tibet's movement for freedom."
Addressing the students, he said, "Students of Gujarat Vidyapith will first have to achieve freedom from the slavery of degree and naukari (job). Vidyapith will also have to create an environment on the campus for students and teachers to achieve the right knowledge."
Sudarshan Iyangar, the V-C of Gujarat Vidyapith, talked about the institute's efforts to contribute to find out solution for problems like global warming.
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