President Droupadi Murmu Graces 12th Convocation of Fakir Mohan University at Balasore
* Degrees and medals awarded to 1,831 undergraduate and postgraduate toppers
Balasore, February 3:(Krushna Kumar Mohanty) The 12th Convocation Ceremony of Fakir Mohan University (FMU), Balasore, was held on Tuesday with academic dignity and pride in the presence of the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the university campus.
The Hon’ble President arrived at the FMU helipad at 12.10 pm and was received by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha and Chancellor of FMU, Shri Hari Babu Kambhampati; DIG Shri Pinak Mishra; Collector and District Magistrate of Balasore, Shri Suryabanshi Mayur Bikash; and Superintendent of Police Shri Pratyush Dibakar.
After her arrival, the Hon’ble President inaugurated the newly constructed university auditorium and unveiled the statue of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. She was formally received at the convocation venue by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santosh Kumar Tripathy, Hon’ble Member of Parliament Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the Convocation, President Droupadi Murmu fondly recalled the legendary Odia writer Fakir Mohan Senapati and his pioneering role in promoting women’s education. Referring to 'Rebati', she underlined the courage of its protagonist in challenging social barriers to pursue education. The President appreciated the University’s contributions in academics, research, community engagement, and social responsibility, and urged graduating students to uphold values, integrity, and social commitment. She also cited eminent personalities from Balasore who have made notable contributions at national and global levels.
During the ceremony, degrees and medals were awarded to 1,831 undergraduate and postgraduate toppers. Over the last three years, the University has awarded 110 Gold Medals, while 89 scholars received Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, reflecting FMU’s sustained academic and research excellence.
Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education and Minister of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Government of Odisha, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, addressed the gathering and spoke on new initiatives and policy reforms aimed at strengthening the higher education system in the State. He lauded Fakir Mohan University for its achievements in research, innovation, and knowledge creation.
On the occasion, Honorary Doctorate Degrees were conferred on three eminent personalities for their outstanding contributions: Ms. Anuradha Biswal for excellence in sports;
Shri Santanu Kumar Acharya for contribution to literature;
Guru Gopal Chandra Panda for distinguished work in classical Odissi music.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santosh Kumar Tripathy presented a detailed report highlighting the University’s academic progress and developmental initiatives. Addressing the convocation, Chancellor and Governor of Odisha Shri Hari Babu Kambhampati described education as a powerful instrument for social upliftment and holistic human development, advising students to remain lifelong learners.
The ceremony was also attended by Hon’ble MP Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Hon’ble MLAs of Balasore, Nilgiri, Simulia, and Remuna (cum Deputy Chief Whip), senior government officials, academicians, and students.
The programme concluded on an inspiring note, reaffirming Fakir Mohan University’s role as a leading centre of higher learning in Odisha. The stage proceedings were coordinated by Prof. Nihar Ranjan Raut.
