Pics: Thejaswi Poojary
Media Release
Udupi, Nov 11: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence, deemed to be University, one of India's leading research focused educational institution, concluded its 32nd convocation ceremony on November 10 with an inspiring final day at KMC Greens. The event celebrated the graduates' achievements and honoured their commitment to academic excellence. This prestigious event gathered the esteemed faculty, distinguished guests, and families to honour the academic accomplishments of the students.
The ceremony took place over three days, from 8 November till November 10. The chief guests for each day respectively were Prof Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, chairman UGC; Dr Indrajit Bhattacharya, director general, National Institute of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (NIRA), New Delhi; and Dr Rajiv Bahl, secretary to government of India, department of health research & director general, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The convocation facilitated the graduation of 5767 MAHE students over the three-day event.
Among the university delegates were Vasanti R Pai, trustee, MAHE Trust; Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor; Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice-chancellor; Dr Narayana Sabhahit, pro vice chancellor (technology & science); Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor (health sciences); Dr Dilip G Naik, pro vice chancellor; Dr P Giridhar Kini, registrar; and Dr Vinod V Thomas, registrar, evaluation. They were also accompanied by the heads of all the MAHE institutes.
Chief guest, Dr Rajiv Bahl, secretary to government of India, department of health research & director general, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), addressing the students and the entire gathering on the final day said, “I would like to congratulate each student present here and their parents for standing with them throughout their journey. I would also like to advise the students here to take care of themselves first. Taking care of yourself is essential because, without self-care, you cannot make the impact you envision or take responsibility in any meaningful way. No matter the goals you are pursuing, the most important investment you can make is in yourself. Success, fulfillment, and peace begin with that commitment.
“Consider each of us has an appointment with our potential, our purpose, and our goals. But to truly meet that appointment, we need to nurture ourselves, build our resilience, and stay mindful of our well-being. Imagine 2047 as a peak moment in your life, where you stand at the summit of all you have set out to achieve. How will you arrive there if you do not begin with strong foundations today? Your future self depends on how you prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical health now.
“As you make your way toward the heights of your aspirations, do not just chase titles, achievements, or milestones; be mindful of the journey. Value those who support you, engage in experiences that truly fulfill you, and take the time to appreciate who you are. Reflect on what makes you uniquely capable and beautiful, because that confidence will help guide you through life’s challenges.
“Remember, your time, energy, and well-being are precious assets. Just as you would invest in building skills or growing your career, take time to invest in yourself. Understand your worth, believe in your values, and make decisions that reflect the kind of person you want to be. At the end of the day, the foundation you lay today will shape the legacy you leave behind.
“So, go forward with this in mind: prioritizing yourself is not selfish, it is necessary. Embrace each opportunity to grow, to learn, and to be present in each moment. The journey to success is not a race but a path you build through balance, self-respect, and dedication. When you nurture yourself, you set the stage to meet each challenge, each opportunity, and each success in a way that is authentic and sustainable,” he said.
Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE, said, “Today marks a historic moment as we honour our graduates for their extraordinary achievements and perseverance. At MAHE, we are committed to nurturing not only academic brilliance but also the values of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility. As you embark on this next phase of life, carry these values forward—strive for excellence, stay curious, and remember that true success is found in service to others. We believe in your potential to shape a better future. Go forth with confidence, uphold the highest standards, and make your alma mater proud. Congratulations to you and your families.”
During the convocation, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice chancellor, MAHE, said, "As we close this memorable convocation ceremony, we honour not only the academic achievements of our students but also their resilience, adaptability, and enduring passion for growth. This celebration reflects the commitment each graduate has shown, even amidst unprecedented challenges. At MAHE, we strive to inspire curiosity, innovation, and integrity, and I am immensely proud of how our students have embraced these values. As they move forward, I am confident they will contribute meaningfully to society, carrying the reputation of MAHE with them. Congratulations to all our graduates and their families.”
Dr Giridhar Kini P, registrar, MAHE, commented, “As we bring this extraordinary convocation ceremony to a close, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this day special. To our honoured chief guest, dedicated faculty, supportive families, and, most of all, to our resilient graduates—thank you for your unwavering dedication. Today is not merely a culmination, but the beginning of new journeys, as our graduates step forward to make a lasting impact. Congratulations to each one of you; may you carry MAHE’s values with pride and purpose into the future.”
Concluding the ceremony, Dr Cherian Varghese, director PSPH, Manipal extended a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to dignitaries, parents, college faculties, students, press and media representatives, and everyone else gathered.
Arnav Agrawal pursuing BTech computer science and engineering from MIT Manipal; Shetty Trasha pursuing BSc perfusion technology from MCHP, Manipal; Janet K Joy pursuing MBBS from KMC Mangaluru and Mrunmayee Rahul Nerlikar pursuing MBBS from KMC Manipal, were awarded the prestigious Dr TMA Pai Gold Medal in 2024 for their exceptional contributions and achievements in their respective fields. This accolade honours their commitment to academic excellence and exemplary performance across diverse disciplines, reflecting MAHE's dedication to fostering talent and excellence in higher education.
Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor (health sciences) welcomed all the dignitaries and Dr Ankitha Shetty, assistant professor, DOC, MAHE, Manipal was the master of ceremony on the final day of convocation.