Nobel Laureate addresses convocation at Odisha-based KIIT University

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Nov 8:

Be prepared to face the challenge of coping with the incredibly fast pace at which science and technology are changing today, Prof. Ferid Murad, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (1998), USA told graduates and students in his address at the 10th convocation ceremony of Odisha-based KIIT University on Saturday.

Nobel Laureate Prof Ferid Murad  being honoured
Nobel Laureate Prof Ferid Murad being honoured
In his convocation address, Prof. Murad advised the graduates to set-long term career goals and work very hard to achieve them. “You are living in a challenging time when the world, especially with respect to science and technology, is changing incredibly fast and you have to be prepared for it”, he stated.

Stressing on the supreme importance education, he said, quality of life is a function of education. He asked students to have patience in the face of hurdles and keep their knowledge and skills updated through training.

Congratulating the graduates, the Nobel Laureate advised them not to forget those – their parents, family and society – who supported them.

KIIT University honoured five other eminent personalities from different walks of life with Honoris Causa degrees –Ms. Angela Gomes, Eminent Social Activist and Founder & Executive Director, Banchte Shekha, Bangladesh; Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sitakant Mahapatra, Eminent Poet and Literary Critic; and Mr. Ranjib Biswal, Chairman, Indian Premier League.

Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Indian Classical Dancer and Social Activist received the Honoris Causa D.Litt. degree announced by KIIT University last year.

Accepting the honorary D.Sc. degree, Prof. Murad said, KIIT is remarkable in supporting free education for thousands of poor students. The honour was conferred to him in recognition of his great contribution to the world in the field of medical research and use of Nitric Oxide to cure pulmonary hypertension in premature babies, wound healing and endothelial dysfunction with atherosclerosis.

“The honour will encourage me to work for oppressed women and children with new strength and energy”, said Ms. Angela Gomes in her acceptance remarks. A Ramon Magsaysay laureate from Bangladesh, Ms. Gomes was conferred honorary D.Litt. her “indomitable spirit, courage and mental strength to change the perspective of the society towards women”.

Similarly, expressing gratitude to KIIT University for the honour, Dr. Sitakant Mahapatra stressed, education and culture should be centerpiece of all developmental efforts. His honorary D.Litt. citation admires his persona as a literary genius and a humanist.

KIIT stands out as a university because of its infrastructure, students and “happy faces”, said Mr. Biswal, while accepting the honorary D.Litt. award, which commends his leadership qualities in cricket administration.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Sonal Mansingh said, “I have visited 90 countries and hundreds of institutions, but have never come across a university like KIIT.” KIIT and its sister concern, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), are bright examples of what dreams and perseverance of a selfless man can do, she remarked, referring to its Founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta.

Expressing best wishes to the graduates, Prof. N. L. Mitra, Chancellor, KIIT University, in his presidential address, said that KIIT University is getting ready for its position in the realm of research institutions of the country. He thanked the recipients of Honoris Causa degrees for making the university proud by accepting the honour.

In his report, Vice Chancellor, Prof. P. P. Mathur said that the University has taken initiative to give impetus to research on the campus. This year the Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India conferred category ’A’ status to KIIT, he informed, adding that it has also recently received accreditation for its five engineering undergraduate programmes from the National Board of Accreditation, Govt. of India under Washington Accord.

In his congratulatory message to the graduates, Dr. Samanta urged the graduates to use their knowledge to give back to the society. He expressed gratitude to the Nobel Laureate and other distinguished personalities for honoring KIIT by accepting the Honoris Causa degree.

Total 3452 students of 2013 – 14 graduating batch of KIIT University received their degrees at its 10th Annual Convocation in the presence of Prof. Ferid Murad, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (1998), USA and other distinguished personalities on November 8, 2014.

The University also conferred Honoris Causa Degree of D.Sc. on Prof. Murad. KIIT University conferred Pradyumna Bal Memorial Gold Medal, PPL Gold Medal, Nanibala Memorial Gold Medal, Founder’s Gold Medals, Chancellor’s Gold Medals and VC Silver Medals on its 37 meritorious students.

As many as 35 scholars were conferred Ph.D. degrees. Dr. Sasmita Samanta, Registrar proposed the vote of thanks.

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