27th Convocation 2019 MAHE 27th Convocation 2019 | Page 53

Welcome address Dr Poornima Baliga B, Pro Vice Chancellor MAHE, Manipal, delivering the welcome address Chief guest of this evening Mr Mahesh Shahdadpuri - Founder and CEO, TASC Outsourcing, UAE, Pro Chancellor Dr H S Ballal, Mrs Indira Ballal, Mrs Vasanthi R Pai - Trustee MAHE, Vice Chancellor Dr H Vinod Bhat, pro vice chancellors Dr Surendra Shetty, Dr PLNG Rao and Dr Ranjan Pai - Chairman of Manipal Medical and Education Group, Registrar Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Registrar- Evaluation Dr Vinod V Thomas, Director - Centre for Doctoral Studies Dr Shyamala Hande, Director - Student Affairs Dr Geetha Maiya, deputy registrars Dr Guruprasad Rao and Dr Preetham Kumar, heads of constituent institutions of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, administrators, faculty members, members of the press and electronic media, distinguished invitees, parents of degree awardees, graduates and post-graduates, ladies and gentlemen. A very good evening to you all. I have great pleasure in extending a hearty welcome to all of you for honouring our invitation to commemorate the 27th convocation ceremony of MAHE. A convocation ceremony is a special day in the academic life of students as after years of hard work and dedication, they get their hard-earned education degrees. Wearing the traditional academic regalia and walking up the stage is the dream of every student in front of his colleagues, friends and family members who have supported them in their difficult endeavour.  It is a defining moment in every student’s life, giving his self-esteem a boost. 53