Guwahati, Oct 25: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati Off-Campus held its 11th Convocation for its students who graduated in the year 2024. The event was held at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre Auditorium here.
The convocation was graced by a host of dignitaries including the Chief Guest Prof. Gauri Dutt Sharma, Vice-chancellor, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya and former President, Association of Indian Universities; Prof. D.P. Singh, Chancellor, TISS and Former Chairman, UGC ; Prof. Manoj Kumar Tiwari, Vice Chancellor (in absentia), TISS; Prof. Shankar Das, Pro-Vice Chancellor, TISS ; Prof. Sunil Santha, Dean, Academic Affairs, TISS and Narendra Mishra, Officiating Registrar, TISS, according to a Press release.
The convocation began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp accompanied by invocation of Saraswati Vandana, after which the Chancellor declared the convocation open. Prof. Shankar Das, Pro Vice-Chancellor, TISS welcomed the chief guest Prof. G.D. Sharma who has been founding Vice-Chancellor of the Atal Bihari Vishwavidyalaya (formerly Bilaspur University, Chattisgarh) as well as Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland Central University and PVC, Assam University, Silchar.
He also extended a warm welcome to honourable Chancellor, TISS, Prof. D.P. Singh whose academic leadership in his capacities as former chairperson UGC, Director, NAAC and Vice-chancellor, BHU has brought his wealth of experience and insights to lead TISS as Chancellor.
Prof. Shankar Das lauded the students at the convocation on their achievement. He mentioned that there were 165 students who graduated in the year 2024. Five scholars received their PhD degree in Social Sciences, 112 students obtained their MA and MASW degrees in different programmes offered at the Off-Campus, while 48 students obtained the BA degree in Social Sciences (BASS).
He highlighted that TISS with an A+ rating by NAAC, has made great strides in higher education.The Social Work programme in TISS , Mumbai continues to be India’s best and has consistently topped the MDRA-India Today rankings.
The Annual Report highlighting the achievements of the campus was presented by Prof. Jagannath Ambagudia, Campus Director, TISS Guwahati Off-Campus. He mentioned the publications and research activities of the faculty as well as some of the most notable achievements.
Prof. Shankar Das was invited to read out the resolution, and Prof. D.P. Singh administered the Oath to the graduating students. Dr. Santhosh M.R., Centre Chairperson of the Unit for Research and Development, Dr. Abhinandan Saikia, Associate Dean, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Prof. Kalpana Sarathy, Dean, School of Social Work, Dr. Minakshi Buragohain, Centre Chairperson, Centre for Undergraduate Studies presented the candidates of their respective schools and centres.
Prof. D.P. Singh, delivered an inspiring presidential address and congratulated the students and appreciated the parents, faculty, staff of the Institute as well as donors, government fellowships and other scholarships that have supported the journey of the students.
He hailed the visionary policy of the NEP, 2020 which shall instill deep-rooted pride in being Indian. He urged students to embrace challenges and do the institution proud while upholding the ideals and ethics. The diversity of the campus was reflected in his address with students representing 20 states, 1 UT and two foreign countries (Bhutan and Nepal).
The Chief Guest Prof. G.D. Sharma delivering the Convocation address referred the students as social scientists who are embarking on an exciting career path. To the young graduating social scientists, Prof. Sharma conveyed that a social science degree fosters critical thinking, cultural understanding and informed citizenship among individuals.
He had high praise for the TISS Guwahati campus as a pioneering institute that has organised several consultations and significant events in the Northeast. He encouraged the graduating students to always have a positive mind-set and to use the education at TISS to reflect ethical reasoning and empathy while impacting communities in a positive manner.
In the second session of the convocation, all students received their degrees and Prizes and shields were awarded to meritorious students as well
The Convocation ended with the felicitation of the Chief Guest. Prof. Kalpana Sarathy, Dean, School of Social Work, TISS, Guwahati Off-campus proposed the vote of thanks.