Kanpur. The 41st convocation of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University, Kanpur, was held with great pomp and gaiety on Thursday, July 9th, at the Veerangana Rani Laxmibai Auditorium. This year, CSJMU, which has been awarded an A++ grade by NAAC and holds a distinguished position in the QS Asian University Rankings, witnessed digital innovation, the success of brave women and daughters, and a new vision for a self-reliant India.
The convocation was presided over by Chancellor and Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel. Prof. Yogesh Singh, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, was the chief guest. Distinguished guests included Yogendra Upadhyay, Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Rajni Tiwari, Minister of State for Higher Education. All guests were welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Awasthi.
The brilliance of girls once again dominated this year’s convocation. A total of 96 medals were awarded by the university, out of which 51 meritorious students received medals. Of these 51 students, 42 were girls and only 9 were boys. The percentage of girls receiving medals was 82.35%, seeing which the auditorium reverberated with thunderous applause. The Governor himself honored 25 main meritorious students by presenting them medals on the stage. Apart from this, a total of 92 research scholars were awarded Ph.D. degrees, which included 50 women and 42 male students.
At the official opening of the convocation, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Vinay Kumar Pathak, presented the University’s annual progress report. In his presentation, the Vice Chancellor detailed the University’s landmark achievements in academic, research, technological, and infrastructure areas over the past year. While reading the progress report, Vice Chancellor Professor Vinay Kumar Pathak emphasized that the University is no longer limited to traditional education, but is adapting itself to global standards. In his convocation address, Vice Chancellor Professor Vinay Kumar Pathak conveyed a message to all graduating students: “When you step out of this campus, society will not only expect a degree from you, but will also judge you on the basis of your character and sensitivity. Remember, knowledge is only meaningful if it serves the lowest rung of society. Just as the children from primary schools in the five adopted villages around us have mesmerized us with their talent, you too must always be ready to uplift the underprivileged sections of society.” Having reached this pinnacle of success, never forget your roots. Always remember the sacrifices of your parents and the guidance of your teachers. Make innovation your mantra, sustainability your lifestyle, and work with the spirit of nation first.
After the presentation of the progress report, Anchal P. Bijlani, a distinguished craftsman of traditional Kutch leather craft, cultural heritage conservator and entrepreneur, was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by Chancellor and Governor Anandiben Patel.
The Chancellor digitally signed the University’s Degree Register for the academic session 2025-26 and uploaded the degrees and mark sheets of the students of the University on DigiLocker through online medium (by pressing the button).
Presidential Address by Chancellor and Governor Anandiben Patel
Addressing the convocation, the Governor expressed pride in the university’s unprecedented achievements. He noted that the campus has seen a remarkable growth of 131.7% in student enrollment over the past five years. Furthermore, national and global recognition in the NIRF, QS Asia Rankings, and Global Sustainability Index attest to the institution’s commitment and academic excellence. He commended the university’s efforts toward digital governance, noting that the integration of AI into administration, research, and academics, and the launch of the Sustainability Dashboard (STARS), demonstrates our responsibility to the environment and modernity. The Governor urged all students to fully utilize the online DigiLocker upload of degrees and to ensure their mandatory download.
Highlighting the institute’s social concerns, he said that making holistic education like music, yoga, sports, and moral values compulsory, and providing clinical psychology counseling for youth suffering from depression, is a revolutionary step. He described the decision to provide training in Gurmukhi script and other mediums as per the convenience of the Agniveers deployed for the defense of the country, and to provide fee concessions to their dependents, as an example of a high social vision. Furthermore, he described the 23% increase in child enrollment in Anganwadis adopted by the Women’s Study Center and the 100% participation of parents as a strong foundation for the country’s development at the grassroots level.
In a message to the youth, the Governor said, “Just as we squeeze out water from clothes, wherever you go in society, fully utilize your knowledge in serving the nation.” He emphasized the importance of learning a skill or art along with studies that will make the youth self-reliant.
Teaching the importance of values and serving one’s parents, the Governor made an emotional appeal to those who, no matter how high a position they reach in life, such as an IAS officer, should never forget their family values. He especially urged daughters not to limit their careers and education after marriage or family obligations, but to use the knowledge gained through the sacrifices of their parents and society for the welfare of the nation.
Finally, he offered important suggestions to the university management, saying that lights and fans should be turned off in empty rooms to conserve energy on campus, and that cleanliness, security, and arrangements on campus and in hostels should be regularly monitored. Furthermore, efforts should be made to spread widespread awareness on topics like Garbha Sanskar to properly guide pregnant women. Describing convocation as only one stage of life and the beginning of the real test in society, he wished all the meritorious students a bright and prosperous future.
AICTE Chairman and DU Vice Chancellor Professor Yogesh Kumar Singh delivered a powerful and insightful address, inspiring students to embark on a new journey in life. Explaining the true significance of education, Professor Singh said, “Degrees are merely receipts for educational expenses; true knowledge is what is reflected in your character.” He reminded students that their degrees are merely a piece of paper, while their behavior will reflect their true education. He urged young people to become “players,” “captains,” or “coaches” instead of spectators. Emphasizing the importance of leadership, he said that one must be capable of fulfilling their responsibilities, as God gives responsibility only to those who are capable of fulfilling it.
Citing the example of an airplane, he explained that just as a plane rises only when it faces the wind, the opposition and challenges in life act as a lift for a person’s progress. He advised that when the opposition is greater, one should increase one’s speed.
He encouraged students interested in research or work abroad, but also made an emotional appeal. He said, “Work in the world’s best labs and companies, but definitely come back to India. India not only wants you, but you also need India because today India is the most important center in the world.” He urged students to become “givers” instead of “takers.” At the end of his address, he made all students raise their hands and pledge that they would not do anything in their lives that was against the country’s interests. He said that the responsibility of fulfilling the resolution of “Developed India 2047” lies on the shoulders of this generation.
The role of youth is most important in building a developed India by 2047: Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay
In an emotional message to the students, the Higher Education Minister stated that the position they have reached today is the result of their parents’ years of hard struggle, suppression of their desires, and countless sacrifices. He also attributed this success to the guidance of their teachers, stating that the three roles in life—mother, father, and teacher—are equivalent to deities (Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava) and that their debt can never be repaid. Encouraging the students, he said that there is no need to be disappointed if certain goals are not achieved. Quoting the famous lines, “Those who try never lose” and “Life does not die with the death of some dreams.” He urged the youth to recognize the power of their inner self and use it for the benefit of the nation. Sharing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Mr. Upadhyaya stated that the goal has been set to make India a developed nation by the year 2047. He emphasized that the role of education and educational institutions is paramount in this great endeavor. According to him, in a developed India, upliftment of villages, poor, farmers, respect for women, and new research in the field of knowledge and science are essential.
He inspired students to recognize their strengths like “Hanuman Ji,” saying that only youth can change the destiny and picture of the country. He called on all teachers, students, and institutions to unite and contribute to the nation’s progress so that India can stand at the forefront of the world’s developed nations.
Address by Special Guest, Minister of State for Higher Education, Rajni Tiwari
State Minister of Higher Education Rajni Tiwari infused new energy into the youth. She encouraged students to face life’s challenges boldly and work hard.
Rajni Tiwari told the students that they will face many challenges in the next chapter of their lives, but instead of giving up, they must find a way through them. She clarified that life will bring success and failure, but it is through these two that a path will emerge that will lead to your goals. Proud of the girls’ success: During the medal distribution ceremony, expressing her joy at the outstanding performance of the students, she said that seeing the large number of girls among the medal winners is the most gratifying thing for her. She encouraged them to move forward and contribute to the country and society. She emphasized that hard work, rather than shortcuts, is the only path to success. She said that “there is no substitute for hard work,” and the more students work hard, the higher they will achieve.
Citing the verse from Ramcharitmanas, “Karma Pradhan Vishva Kari Rakha,” he said that whatever work and hard work we do, we definitely get its fruits. Role of youth in nation building: Reiterating the Prime Minister’s pledge of ‘Developed India 2047,’ he said that the youth will have the biggest contribution in making the country developed. He reminded the students that the society and the nation have great expectations from them. Tiwari finally praised the university’s achievements and its emergence as a higher education hub of Uttar Pradesh.
Media in-charge Dr. Diwakar Awasthi stated that at this convocation, female students have achieved a decisive advantage in every field, from medals to PhD degrees. From the university campus to affiliated colleges, female students are ahead in every category. A total of 107,713 students were awarded degrees at the university’s 41st convocation, including 57,348 female students (53.24%) and 50,365 male students (46.75%). At the campus level, out of 3,208 students, 1,609 were female students (50.15%) and 1,599 were male students (49.84%). Of the 1,04,413 students who graduated from affiliated colleges, 55,689 were female students (53.34%) and 48,724 were male students (46.67%). The data clearly demonstrates that women’s participation at CSJMU is shaping a new face of education. 96 medals were awarded to 51 students at the 41st Convocation, of which 42 (82.35%) were awarded to girls and 9 (17.65%) were awarded to boys.
33 Chancellor’s medals were given to 30 students, out of which 26 (86.66%) were given to girls and 4 (13.33%) were given to boys, whereas 11 students were given Vice Chancellor’s medals, out of which 10 (90.90%) were given to girls and 1 (9.10%) was given to boy. 52 sponsored medals were given to 33 students, out of which 28 (84.85%) were given to girls and 5 (15.15%) were given to boys. Whereas 92 students were awarded PhD degrees, out of which 42 were boys and 50 were girls. Finally, the convocation ceremony was concluded with the national anthem.
Present on stage during the convocation were Chancellor and Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel, Chief Guest, Delhi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh, Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay and Minister of State for Higher Education Rajni Tiwari, Shilpacharya Anchal P. Bijlani, Vice Chancellor Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Awasthi, and Registrar Rakesh Kumar Mishra. The program was moderated by university faculty member Dr. Ratnarthu Mishra. The convocation was broadcast live on all the university’s official social media accounts.
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