Campus Times | Lucknow 

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, held its 11th Convocation on Saturday, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh calling upon graduating students to combine knowledge with character, values and a strong commitment to the nation.

Degrees were conferred upon students from the academic years 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 during the ceremony, which was attended by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Rajya Sabha MP Mithilesh Kumar, BBAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal and other senior university officials, faculty members, parents and students.

The ceremony began with floral tributes at the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, followed by an academic procession, ceremonial lamp lighting and the University anthem. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal welcomed the dignitaries and presented the Universitys academic report, outlining BBAUs achievements and future plans.

Rajnath Singh: Education must shape Head, Heart and Hand

Addressing the graduating students, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recalled the words of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Chhote man se koi bada nahin hota, toote man se koi khada nahin hota.

He said that achieving great goals requires an expansive mind capable of wider thinking, positivity and constructive action. According to Singh, Indias intellectual and knowledge traditions have always been broad and influential, with ideas articulated by Indian saints and thinkers continuing to gain global recognition.

Today, when India speaks, the world listens with its ears wide open, he said.

Emphasising the significance of BBAUs association with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Singh said expectations from its students were naturally higher. He described meaningful education as one that develops three dimensions of an individual — Head, Heart and Hand.

While the Head develops logical and rational abilities, the Heart nurtures sensitivity and compassion, and the Hand enables people to translate knowledge into practical skills, he said.

From job seekers to job creators

Singh urged BBAU graduates to become contributors to Indias economic and social development rather than limiting themselves to conventional career paths.

He said the University should produce young people capable of shaping Indias future and becoming job creators rather than merely job seekers.

Referring to Dr. Ambedkars message of Educate, Agitate and Organize, he encouraged students to draw inspiration from his life and ideas and approach social transformation with determination.

He called upon graduates to combine knowledge, skills and national commitment to contribute towards the larger goal of establishing India as Vishwaguru.

Brajesh Pathak calls for knowledge-driven nation-building

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak congratulated the degree recipients and urged them to move beyond a narrow focus on marks and academic qualifications.

He said the purpose of university education should extend beyond obtaining a degree and should translate into work that benefits society and strengthens the nation.

Pathak called upon students to use their knowledge, skills and talent for nation-building and contribute towards strengthening Indias identity on the global stage.

BBAU highlights academic expansion and innovation initiatives

Presenting the Universitys academic progress, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal said BBAU has strengthened its position in higher education by securing an A++ grade from NAAC and ranking 37th in the University category of NIRF.

He said the University is focusing on the holistic development of students through a Panchakosha-based education system and has established 20 hobby clubs to encourage creativity and develop students inherent talents.

22 students receive degrees and gold medals

A total of 22 outstanding students were felicitated on stage with degrees and gold medals for their academic performance across the four academic years.

For the 2023 academic year, the awardees included Brijesh Gupta, Priyanshu and Sonam Verma from Mechanical Engineering, Jagriti Singh from M.Sc. Life Sciences, and Racharla Ojaswitha Rao from M.Sc. Agriculture.

For 2024, honours went to Harshita Pathak from Computer Science and Engineering, Avantika Kumari from B.Sc. (Hons.) Geology, Prachi Gupta from M.Sc. Mathematics and K.M. Pratibha Verma from M.Sc. Life Sciences.

For 2025, the recipients included Stuti Kumari from B.Sc. Food Science and Technology, Abhishek Kumar from B.Tech. Computer Engineering, Nandini Sharma from M.Sc. Mathematics and Aastha Priyadarshini from the Integrated B.Sc.-M.Sc. programme in Basic Sciences.

For 2026, the gold medalists included Shubham Yadav and Anand Kumar from B.Tech. programmes in Computer Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering respectively, Gonuguntla Gopi Krishna from M.Sc. Horticulture, Vegetable Science, and Jigyasa from M.Sc. Food Science and Technology.

In another academic distinction, Prof. Devesh Kumar of the Department of Physics was conferred the D.Sc. degree.

R.D. Sonkar Awards presented

Students from different academic years were also honoured under the Shri R.D. Sonkar Award, named after one of the early administrators of the University.

The recipients were Gyanendra Pratap Singh, M.A. Sociology (2023); Shivangi, M.A. History (2024); Soni Nirmal, M.A. History (2025); and Prabha Chandra, M.A. History (2026).

The dignitaries and the Vice-Chancellor also released the 11th Convocation Souvenir, documenting the Universitys academic achievements, educational activities and other major accomplishments.

Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal administered the convocation oath to the graduating students, who pledged to use their knowledge and skills constructively and contribute to the development of the country and society.