Nobel laureate Richard John Roberts delivers convocation address in Odisha’s KiiT

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Nov 12:

Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine for 1993 Sir Richard John Roberts today delivered the convocation address in Odisha’s KiiT University on its twelfth annual convocation ceremony.

As many as 5047 students of 2015–16 graduating batch of KiiT University received their degrees at its 12th annual convocation in the presence of Professor Roberts and Chairman of Wockhardt Group Dr Habil Khorakiwala.

Among the students, 52 students got Ph.D. degrees in various disciplines. The University conferred Honoris Causa Degrees of D.Sc. and D.Litt. on Sir Roberts and Dr. Khorakiwala respectively.

Delivering the convocation address, the Nobel laureate advised the graduating students to set a goal and work towards it with dedication and hard work.

“Embrace the change if something interesting comes along. Look for unusual things in life and latch on to any lucky breaks and take its full advantage”, he remarked, citing examples from his life and career. Elaborating that his own post doctoral degree from Harvard University and Nobel prize were possible due to such lucky breaks, he added, “Coming to this University was a lucky break for you and you must make the most of it”.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Khorakiwala said, “More than 25,000 students are studying in the great university and another 25,000 in its sister institution, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS). I am overwhelmed with admiration to witness what its founder Achyuta Samanta has created through his vision, dedication and passion. KIIT University takes care of all round development of its students, which reflects the vision of its founder”.

Wockhardt Foundation is working with the Odisha Government to provide 40,000 households with toilets, he informed on the occasion.