Manipur University celebrated its 15th Convocation on Friday at the University Auditorium, conferring degrees on 1,061 graduates, including 304 gold medallists and 104 PhD scholars. The ceremony covered academic sessions from 2013 to 2020.
The event was graced by Governor of Manipur and Chief Rector Ajay Kumar Bhalla as Chief Guest, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh as Guest of Honour, and Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities, as Special Guest. Chancellor Prof. T. Tirupati Rao, Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, and members of the University Court, Executive Council, and Academic Council were also present.
Of the 1,061 registered graduates, 304 meritorious students received gold medals for outstanding academic performance across various disciplines. Cash awards were also presented to top performers, while 104 scholars were awarded doctoral degrees.
In his address, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla described academic degrees as symbols of both achievement and responsibility. He urged graduates to uphold integrity, ethical values, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Highlighting the vision of Viksit Bharat, Bhalla called upon the youth to focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance while contributing to peace and progress in the region.
Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh praised Manipur University as a premier institution and an epicentre of intellectual engagement. He reaffirmed the state government’s support for skill development and encouraged graduates to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Dr. Pankaj Mittal, in her convocation address, spoke about the internationalisation of higher education and new policies, including the establishment of international campuses in India. She stressed the importance of lifelong learning, ethical conduct, and social responsibility, while describing Manipur as a peaceful and culturally rich state.
Chancellor Prof. T. Tirupati Rao reflected on the university’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and its successful shift to digital learning. He also highlighted the institution’s efforts in promoting dialogue, unity, and coexistence during times of social tension.
In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. Lokendra Singh presented a detailed report on the university’s recent achievements and progress. He informed that Manipur University was assessed by NAAC for the period 2015-16 to 2020-21 and accredited with a B+ grade. As per the NIRF Ranking 2025, the university was placed in the 101-150 rank band under the University category.
Prof. Lokendra Singh highlighted the timely conduct of university examinations and declaration of results despite various constraints, which has brought discipline and predictability to the academic calendar. Academic sessions are now being started in line with other universities in the country under the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) system.
He also mentioned several important events hosted by the university, including an interaction programme with Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Dr. Jagdeep Dhankhar on May 3, 2023; a two-day workshop with Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of North Eastern States on May 6-7, 2022; and the Y20 Seminar on May 4, 2023. The university will further host the All-India Inter-University Thang-Ta Competition from April 6 to 9, 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university presently has 47 departments under 9 Schools of Studies with a total strength of 6,376 students, including 1,592 PhD scholars. It also has 13 centres and 10 cells for academic support. As many as 131 colleges and institutes are affiliated to the university with a total enrolment of 69,702 students. Of these, 61 colleges have been recognised under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act.
Prof. Lokendra Singh further informed that the university has successfully implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the academic session 2021-22. Five-year integrated programmes have been introduced in six disciplines, including Japanese Language, Korean Language, Tourism & Hospitality Management, Retail Management & Foreign Trade (B.Voc), Dance, and Hindustani Music. New departments have also been created by bifurcating existing ones, such as the Department of Forestry and the Department of History & Archaeology from the earlier Department of Environment and Forestry, and separate Departments of Botany and Zoology from the Department of Life Sciences.
These accomplishments, he said, reflect the university’s institutional revival, renewed commitment to academic excellence, and collective efforts of faculty, staff, and administration.
The convocation was conducted in a hybrid format, with the main ceremony held at the University Auditorium. Affiliated colleges — Bethany College, Moreh College, and Presidency College — participated online.Established in 1980 and accorded Central University status in 2005, Manipur University continues to serve as a vital centre for higher education and research in the Northeast.
Naorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.
Naorem Mohen
View More PostsNaorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.
