Manipal University Jaipur’s Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) ceremoniously organized its Fifth Convocation Ceremony for Online Degree Programmes, marking a significant milestone in the university’s journey of digital education and academic excellence. The event reflected MUJ’s sustained commitment to widening access to quality higher education through innovative online learning platforms.
Shri Haribhau Bagde, Governor of Rajasthan, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. A total of 9,043 students from programmes including MBA, BBA, MCA, BCA, MAJMC, B. Com, and M. Com were eligible to receive their degrees. Of these, 1,531 learners were conferred degrees in person by the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour, Mr. Ambrish Sinha, Founding CEO, Unext Learning and others received the degrees in absentia.
The ceremony commenced with the traditional academic procession, led by the Chief Guest and senior university leadership, including Dr. N. N. Sharma, President, MUJ; Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar, Pro-President, MUJ; Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar, MUJ; Prof. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost, MUJ; Dr. Mallikarjuna Gadappa, Director, CDOE; Mr. Dasari Nagaraju, Controller of Examinations; and members of the Academic Council. This was followed by the National Anthem, the Manipal Kulgeet, and the presentation of a sapling to the Chief Guest, symbolizing growth and sustainability.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar highlighted the visionary educational philosophy of fonder of Manipal group Dr. T. M. A. Pai, emphasizing that learning transcends boundaries. He underlined resilience, courage, and determination as essential qualities for success in an evolving world.
Dr. N. N. Sharma, President, MUJ, presented an overview of the university’s progress, showcasing achievements in research, national and international rankings, academics, SWAYAM MOOCs, and sports. He noted that online degree programmes empower learners to acquire advanced knowledge and skills, significantly enhancing their career prospects across diverse sectors.
Addressing the graduates and dignitaries, Shri Haribhau Bagde reflected on India’s rich educational heritage rooted in the Gurukul system, which emphasized holistic development, discipline, and social responsibility through close teacher–student interaction. He stated that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 revitalizes this philosophy in a contemporary framework by promoting holistic, skill-based, and life-oriented education.
The Governor further emphasized the importance of education in the mother tongue, Hindi, and local languages to strengthen comprehension, creativity, and confidence, adding that digital and online education is playing a crucial role in making quality education inclusive and accessible to households across the country. He expressed confidence that the integration of traditional values, NEP 2020, and modern digital technology would help India re-emerge as a global leader in education.
The convocation was particularly inspiring for thousands of online learners from India and abroad who successfully balanced higher education with professional, family, and social responsibilities. Addressing the graduates, Dr. Mallikarjuna Gadappa, Director, CDOE, remarked that online education is well aligned with the demands of the digital age, enabling learners to independently acquire contemporary technological and digital skills.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar, MUJ, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, parents, faculty members, university management, staff, and graduating students, and wished the graduates continued success in their future endeavours. The event was also live streamed on the university’s official YouTube channel, allowing students and parents unable to attend in person to be part of the celebration.
