102nd Convocation of the University of Delhi

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata, The Most powerful and the most Merciful. I am pleased to be here today at the 102nd Convocation of the University of Delhi. On this occasion, the dignitaries who are sharing the dais with me are the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, Professor Yogesh Singh and other senior dignitaries of Delhi University.

I had been here last month also to launch the Drug Free Campus Campaign. I am delighted to know that the University of Delhi is organizing this Convocation in its 104 years of glorious academic journey, where there is no year when Convocation was not held. This includes the pre-Independence era, the era of freedom struggle. It indicates the academic continuity which the University of Delhi has sincerely followed for last more than a Century. University of Delhi deserves a round of applause for this rare feat.

The University of Delhi started its journey with 03 colleges, 02 Faculties, 08 Departments, a Library with collection of gifted books and only 750 students. Today the University comprises of 16 Faculties, 86 Departments, 90 Colleges, 20 Halls & Hostels, more than 30 Centres and Institutes, 34 Libraries and over 06 lakh students. So Delhi University has come a long way in its historic journey.

University of Delhi is one of India’s most distinguished institutions of higher learning. For over a century, this university has been a centre for ideas, debate, scholarship, and nation-building. Over decades it has nurtured minds that went on to lead India’s intellectual, political, scientific, and cultural life. Today, you join a remarkable lineage of alumni who have shaped not only India, but the world.

The continuously progressing National and International ranking of the University is a matter of satisfaction and happiness for all of us. University of Delhi has retained number one position among Indian Universities as per the QS World Universities Ranking for four consecutive years. The University is ranked 5th  as per NIRF Ranking 2025 in the University Category while securing NAAC A++ Grade in 2025. The research profile of the University has observed exponential growth with total publications rising by 44% with an H-Index of 303.

Convocation is not merely a ceremony. It is both an ending and a beginning. It celebrates years of study, discipline, friendships, examinations, and self-discovery. At the same time, it signals your formal induction into a larger arena—the arena of responsibility.

Today, as you step forward into an increasingly complex world, you do so at a time of profound transformation. Technology is reshaping industries. Artificial intelligence is redefining the nature of work. Climate change challenges our models of growth. Democracies across the globe are being tested. In such a world, your degree is not just a certificate—it is a commitment. A commitment to serve the society. A commitment to use your skills and learnings for the good of the society. A commitment to live not only for yourself but also live for the betterment of the nation. And above all, a commitment to keep the Nation First and Always- Rashtra Pratham.

At this crucial moment in our national journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047, your role assumes even greater significance. Under the leadership and vision of our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modiji India has articulated an ambitious aspiration—of becoming an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and of building a Viksit Bharat—a developed India—by 2047, when we celebrate 100 years of independence. Aatmanirbharta is the capacity to innovate, to manufacture, to research, and to create solutions that are rooted in Indian realities yet globally competitive. It calls upon our universities to become engines of research, entrepreneurship, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Viksit Bharat is about inclusive growth, technological leadership, social harmony, environmental sustainability, and institutions that are transparent and accountable. It is about ensuring that development reaches the last citizen, and that opportunity is not a privilege of a few but a promise to all. My dear Graduates, you are the architects of this vision. Whether you become scientists, civil servants, entrepreneurs, artists, lawyers, teachers, or innovators—you will be shaping India of 2047. The aspiration of Aatmanirbhar Bharat will depend on your capacity to innovate. The realization of Viksit Bharat will depend on your integrity, competence, and compassion.

I am happy to note that most of the gold medallists, in fact more than 70 percent, are women. 84 women and 30 men are receiving the Gold Medals today. Similarly, the number of women receiving the degrees this year is also more than the number of men. This is indicative of the phenomenal growth of education of women in our Country at a time when the Nation is poised to become Viksit Bharat by the year 2047.  On this occasion, I extend my blessings and best Wishes to all the graduating students who are awarded degrees, medals and prizes today for their well-deserved success after their sustained hard work over the years.

To the parents and families gathered here—your sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering belief have made this day possible. This convocation belongs to you as much as to your children. To the faculty—your mentorship has shaped not only careers but lives. A great university is built not on infrastructure alone, but on the dedication of teachers who ignite curiosity and demand excellence.

Graduates, as you leave these halls, carry with you the spirit of inquiry that defines this institution. Always remember that learning is a lifelong process. Carry also a sense of gratitude—for the opportunities you have received and remember the responsibilities that accompany them. I also urge all of you to always say ‘No to Drugs’. Also always be mindful of your social media usage using it as a constructive tool and not being enslaved by it. Make sure your achievements bring pride to your families, honour to the University of Delhi, and progress to our nation. My warmest wishes for your journey ahead.

Jai Hind!
Long Live Mother Bharat!