post news network, Bhubaneswar, April 10: Utkal University of Culture Friday celebrated its fourth convocation at Rabindra Mandap in the city amid much fanfare. Hundreds of students, alumni and their parents thronged the venue in order to celebrate a memorable day in their lives. The vice chancellor of the university, Debendra Nath Jena, while pointing out the growing influence of the institution said that new postgraduate courses in animation and textile design would be started soon.
The first ever culture university of the country, which started its journey in 1999 awarded gold medals to 11 PhD students besides felicitating 81 other students. The varsity, situated near AG square, also conferred honoris causa to six eminent artistes from the state for their outstanding contribution to the field of art and culture.
The persons who received honoris causa from the university included singers Pranab Kishore Pattnaik, Jitendra Haripal and Krushna Patel, artist-cum-poet Prafulla Mohanti, veteran Oriya actor Gobind Tej and ghoda nacha artist Utsav Charan Das.
The chief guest of the event was Dinesh Singh, vice chancellor of the Delhi University. State tourism and culture minister Ashok Panda, tourism commissioner-cum-secretary Arvind Padhee, university vice chancellor Debendra Nath Jena and varsity registrar Suman Das were also present in the convocation, which kicked off by the lighting of a lamp by the dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Panda said, “Students of cultural studies portray the face of the society. I believe the university is unique in itself as it imparts training and research facilities in culture. The varsity is only expanding its presence since its inception. Many students are now keen to take admissions in this university and study the cultural dimension in detail. Universities often inculcate character in students, which later defines their actions. I wish all outgoing students a bright future.”
Arvind Padhee said, “Orissa is rich in its cultural heritage. The art, culture and tradition of this soil are unparalleled in this world. The university is giving a good platform to the students to read culture in detail and represent the face of the state in the right way. I assure the government will extend its support for the development of the varsity. We will also help in the early development of the new campus of the varsity and also help in getting grants from the UGC.”
The vice chancellor of the varsity, Debendra Nath Jena said, “Our university in the past few years have successfully extended its arms. Many of our alumni and faculty members have brought laurels to the institution. Many students are now taking interest in our PG and UG courses. We are now planning to start new PG courses in animation and textile design.”
During the convocation ceremony the auditorium situated at the heart of the city was full to the brim. Many friends and family members of the outgoing students were seen supporting their wards. Students belonging to batch 2011 till present time received their gold medals and certificates for their academic excellence.