Nalanda University’s third convocation to be held today

Biharsharif: Nalanda University will organise its third convocation ceremony on Tuesday at the newly constructed ‘Vishwamitralaya’ auditorium on the university campus, where degrees will be awarded to 219 students representing 14 countries.The university’s second convocation was held at its net-zero campus on April 1 this year and was attended by the President Droupadi Murmu. The 2,000-seat Vishwamitralaya auditorium, where the upcoming ceremony will be held, was also inaugurated by the President during that event.The revived university had organised its first convocation ceremony in 2016, attended by then President Pranab Mukherjee, two years after the inauguration of the academic session at a rented accommodation in 2014. The inaugural session was attended by former external affairs minister late Sushma Swaraj.According to university authorities, P K Mishra, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, will attend the third convocation as the chief guest. Bihar governor Syed Ata Hasnain and secretary east, department of foreign affairs, govt of India, Rudrendra Tandon, will attend the programme as guests of honour.In a special initiative, the university has decided to organise the convocation just nine days after completion of examinations. Officials said the move reflects the institution’s commitment to ensuring timely award of degrees and facilitating students’ academic and professional progression.The graduating batch of 2024-26 includes students from 14 countries, including Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar, highlighting the university’s growing international character and diverse academic environment.Eight meritorious students, including seven women, will receive gold medals for academic excellence during the ceremony.Following the convocation, the chief guest will also inaugurate the university’s ‘Kautilya Centre for Capacity Building’.