Hyderabad: In its 83rd convocation, Osmania University conferred 1,024 PhD degrees, the highest by any university in the country in a single academic year. Fiftyeight gold medallists joined the distinguished academic community in celebrating the achievements of the newest alumni.
To date, OU had awarded honorary doctorates to 48 eminent persons.
Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Chancellor of the university, and Shantanu Narayen, Chair and CEO of Adobe, were present at the convocation at the Tagore Auditorium.
Narayen, who completed bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from OU, was conferred a honorary doctorate in the field of science and technology who told the graduating batch and research scholars to embrace change, stay true to their purpose and trust their instincts
Dr Soundararajan, in her address, emphasised the importance of students developing a comprehensive perspective and a global mindset during their academic journey. She stressed the significance of instilling the principles of 'gnanartha pravesham' (enter to learn) and 'sevartha prasthanam' (set out to serve) in students and exhorted them to enjoy everything they do.
She addressed the issue of the topper of the genetics department not having received her gold medal till sponsors rushed to her aid. "Every achievement is worth celebrating and I appeal to all philanthropists to contribute in whatever way you can, to reward hard work," she said.
- Three MLAs — Balka Suman and Guvvala Bajaraju of the BRS and Dansari Anasuya alias Seethakka of the Congress who were to receive their doctorates, could not attend the convocation as they were away campaigning
- Suman was awarded the PhD in English and Balaraju in law respectively; Seethakka completed her PhD in political science.
- Justice Venkateshwara Reddy, Telangana State Judicial Academy Director M. Rajender, Justice Chandraiah and CBI court public prosecutor Anil Kumar did not attend the convocation to receive their PhDs.
- "The doctorates will be handed over to them soon," a university representative said
