‘Education can bring together people of different beliefs, religion and ideologies. The large scale destruction of our environment by means of cutting of trees, illegal mining and dirty-ing the environment can be stopped by only education. Gift of education to an individual is permanent”. This was stated by Sri G T Devegowda, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka. He was speaking on the occasion of the First Convocation of Presidency University, Bangalore held on Friday, 23rd November 2018. Stating that communal harmony is possible only by education, the Minister said that only education can bring social justice in our country. Stating that there has been an exponential growth in science and technology, the Minister called upon the universities to bring the benefits of Science & Technology to the common people. The Minister said that the National Social Service (NSS) wing in every educational institution orients the students to societal issues. Expressing his happiness on the increase in the number of girls entering higher education, the Minister said that in some colleges, percentage of girls have reached upto 50%. Expressing his concern at the increase in unemployment among the youth, the Minister said that educational institutions need to focus on skill development too which will make the youth employment ready. Honorable Minister lauded the efforts of Presidency University in providing high quality education and congratulated the graduands. Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Chancellor of the University, Sri Nissar Ahmed said that the university evolved as a fusion of an advanced education idea, techno-administration model, teaching pedagogy and curricular design in line with the demand of the modern Indian Higher Education System. The University looked at transforming itself into an elite, research – comprehensive and international world class university, founded on the edifice of learning, digesting, absorption, and re-innovation, in tune with future national and global cultural, social and economic development needs. “It was our fervent hope then and even now that students graduating from this university, will imbibe ethical values blended with a social slant, both of which are in deficit in today’s social fabric. With a demand-oriented, problem-centric, and futuristic strategy, Presidency University will continue to establish a number of interdisciplinary, inter-field and cross-industry Collaborative Research – oriented Schools offering undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and post-doc educational and research programs”. Addressing the graduands, the Chancellor added, “ Dear Graduating students, this is definitely a day of joy, fulfillment, and achievement for each one of you. My hearty congratulations on your graduation through the portals of Presidency University. Over the next few years, you are going to learn and try new things every day, both in your professional and personal lives. This is all part of the life journey. So embrace this journey. But do not forget to enjoy the journey. Be strong. Be smart. Always do the right things. Utilize your skills and talents to enhance your intrinsic value, not only to yourselves, but to mankind at large. God bless you” 37 MBA graduands of 2015-17 batch and 43 graduands of 2016-18 batch received their degrees. Miss Roshna Ramakrishnan of 2015 – 17 batch and Mr Balagopal Murali of 2016-18 received the Mrs. Kathija Bi Gold Medals on the occasion. Other dignitaries who gave away the awards included, Dr M. Ramachandran, Founder Pro Chancellor, Sri Sunil Kalachar, Head of Global Hiring, Wipro, Sri Nitesh Jain, Director, Management Consultancy, KPMG and Prof. D. Ayyappa, Ex Vice Chancellor, Alliance University. Present on the occasion of the Convocation were Pro Chancellor, Prof. Vijayan Immanuel, Registrar, Dr. M. Biswas, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. M. Ishwara Bhat, Controller of Examinations, Dr Surendra Kumar, Members of the Board of Governors, Ms Nafeesa Ahmed, Mr. Suhael Ahmed, Prof. Abdul Rahiman, Dr. R. K. Massey, all faculty members of the university, parents, guests and members of the media. In the beginning, Vice Chancellor, Prof Radha Padmanabhan welcomed the gathering. Controller of Examinations, Prof. Surendra Kumar conveyed the vote of thanks at the end.