27th Convocation 2019 MAHE 27th Convocation 2019 | Page 43

Welcome address Dr H Vinod Bhat, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, delivering the welcome address Ladies and gentlemen, I have immense pleasure in extending a hearty welcome to all of you who have responded to our invitation to join us on this joyous convocation ceremony. Convocation is an important occasion, both to the university as well as to the degree awardees.  The teachers and administrators will have the opportunity to see the fruits of their endeavour in shaping the destinies of the youth and for the graduates. It is the culmination of all their toil and hard work of the past few years. The ceremony is an important milestone as they step into the real world, a world of opportunities and a world of ever changing paradigms. We are privileged to have Dr Shekar Mande, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and Director General, CSIR, as our chief guest for today’s convocation. We have admired his work ever since we have known him in 2002 as an eminent scientist in CDFD Hyderabad, and now as an able research administrator in one of the premier agencies of Government of India. I extend a warm and cordial welcome to you Prof Mande.  It gives me immense pleasure to welcome our Pro Chancellor Dr HS Ballal, an eminent medical teacher, former Dean, former vice chancellor, an astute administrator and above all, a caring human being. Hearty welcome to you, sir. We are fortunate to have Mrs Vasanti R Pai, First Lady of the University and a trustee of MAHE Trust who has endeared herself with her student centric approach. A warm welcome to you madam. A cordial welcome to Dr Ranjan Pai, Chairman, Manipal Education and Medical Group India Intl Ltd and other members of the Pai family. I extend a warm welcome to the members of the Board of Management, Finance Committee and Academic Council,  the pro vice chancellors, the registrar and other administrators of MAHE, heads of MAHE institutions, faculty and staff, our well-wishers and benefactors, the members of the press and electronic media and all the distinguished invitees who have responded to our invitation. I am especially delighted to welcome the parents and guardians of the graduating students in this hour of joy. You have been the ones who stood by your children, supported them through thick and thin and are here to witness one more stage in their metamorphosis.  The star attraction of this evening is the assembly of degree awardees, cherishing this moment.  Dear graduands, this is your day. But remember, this is only the beginning. My good wishes to all of you in your journey of life and a hearty welcome to Convocation 2019. Thank you all.  43