Lumami | March 6 (WE THE NAGAS): The 8th Convocation Ceremony of Nagaland University was held on March 6 at the I. Ihoshe Kinimi Conference Hall at the Lumami campus in the presence of C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India, who attended the programme as the chief guest.
The ceremony was attended by Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Nagaland, T. R. Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Member of Parliament S. Phangnon Konyak, Vice Chancellor Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, university officials, faculty members, parents and graduating students.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Radhakrishnan congratulated the graduating students and expressed his happiness at visiting Nagaland for the first time after assuming office as the Vice President. He noted that the visit marked the beginning of his three-day tour to the northeastern region.
Describing Nagaland as a state where “nature, culture and courage blend in breathtaking harmony,” the Vice President praised the vibrant traditions and cultural richness of the people of the state. He said that while the scenic beauty of Nagaland is remarkable, its true strength lies in its people and their strong cultural heritage.
Highlighting India’s diversity, he said the country is home to numerous languages, traditions and identities, yet remains united by a shared vision and purpose.
“India’s strength lies in its unity in diversity. Though we speak different languages and follow different traditions, we remain united in our thinking and our commitment to the nation,” he said.
Encouraging the youth of Nagaland to take part in national development, the Vice President urged more young people from the state to compete in national examinations such as the civil services conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
He noted that greater participation of youth from the Northeast in national institutions and governance would strengthen the country and provide broader opportunities for the region.
Speaking about the role of universities, the Vice President said institutions of higher education must go beyond imparting knowledge and focus on nurturing leadership and character among students.
“The greatest achievement of a university is not only the knowledge it stores but the leaders it creates. The character of its graduates and their contributions to society are the real measures of success,” he
said.
He commended Nagaland University for its contributions to academic excellence and research, noting that the institution has played a significant role in promoting education in the region since its
establishment in 1994 after being separated from the North Eastern Hill University.
With campuses at Lumami, Kohima and Medziphema, the university has expanded its academic reach and ensured access to higher education for students across Nagaland and neighbouring regions, he said.
The Vice President also acknowledged the university’s research initiatives, including its work in cancer research and the preservation and documentation of indigenous Naga knowledge systems, languages and customary laws.
Addressing the graduating students, Radhakrishnan reminded them that convocation marks the beginning of a new journey rather than the end of learning.
“The only constant factor in the world is change,” he said, emphasizing that technological and scientific advancements are transforming society at an unprecedented pace.
He explained that innovations which were once unimaginable are now part of everyday life, and future generations must remain adaptable and open to continuous learning.
Advising the graduates on personal growth, the Vice President stressed the importance of time management, discipline and perseverance.
“You must learn to allocate your time wisely, keep learning and maintain focus on your work. Never compare yourself with others. Every individual has unique abilities and talents,” he said.
He further encouraged students to set clear goals in life and work steadily towards achieving them.
“Success may come early for some and later for others. What matters is perseverance. Continue to work with dedication and success will eventually come,” he added.
The Vice President also called upon the youth to stay away from drug abuse and contribute to building a healthy society.
“You must not only stay away from drugs but also encourage your friends and family members to remain drug-free. Your thoughts and actions should be guided by your own wisdom,” he said.
Highlighting development initiatives in the Northeast, the Vice President said the Government of India has been prioritizing infrastructure development and social welfare programmes to accelerate growth in the region.
He noted that increased budgetary allocations and development schemes have been introduced to improve connectivity, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities for the people of the Northeast.
The Vice President also spoke about the importance of peace and dialogue in resolving differences in a democratic society.
“Differences are natural in any democracy. What matters is mutual respect and patience in resolving them through dialogue,” he said.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister T. R. Zeliang welcomed the Vice President to Nagaland and described the convocation as a celebration of perseverance, dedication and the fulfillment of academic aspirations.
Congratulating the graduates, Zeliang said education should not only equip students with degrees but also instill values such as integrity, responsibility and compassion.
“The world you enter today is full of challenges, including technological transformation, environmental concerns and economic shifts. However, it also offers immense opportunities for those who are prepared,” he said.
He added that Nagaland is undergoing a phase of transformation with improved connectivity, digital expansion and a growing focus on entrepreneurship and skill development.
Encouraging the graduates to contribute to the development of the state and the nation, Zeliang urged them to become innovators, job creators and ambassadors of peace and progress.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik delivered the welcome address and presented the university report highlighting the institution’s academic achievements and growth.
He stated that during the convocation a total of 6,884 students were awarded degrees, including 107 PhD scholars, 825 postgraduate students, 846 graduates from professional programmes and 5,106
undergraduate students.
Among them, 54 students received gold medals in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.
Patnaik noted that Nagaland University currently serves more than 26,000 undergraduate students across 77 affiliated colleges, supported by 239 faculty members across six schools of studies and 43
departments.
He also highlighted the university’s research achievements, stating that faculty members published 320 research articles in Scopus-indexed journals and 166 articles in Web of Science journals during the academic year 2025–26.
In addition, several books and patents were produced, reflecting the growing research culture within the institution.
The Vice Chancellor further informed that infrastructure expansion is underway across the university’s campuses, with new academic buildings and facilities being developed to strengthen teaching and research.
Congratulating the graduating students, Patnaik reminded them that a university degree carries responsibility.
“The knowledge you have gained must serve society. Let your success uplift your families, your communities and the state of Nagaland,” he said.
The convocation ceremony concluded with the conferment of degrees and the awarding of gold medals to meritorious students.