Bangalore (Press release): Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Education Policy (NEP) has opened a new horizon of unlimited opportunities for the young students, says Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan, Minister of Higher education, Govt. of Karnataka. On the occasion of Fifth Convocation of Presidency University, Bangalore, one of the fastest growing, highly ranked University of the country, Pro-Visitor of the University, the Minister further added that 21st century is a knowledge-based century and appreciated efforts of Presidency University on adopting the National Education Policy and implementing it in the right spirit. He called upon the graduands to contribute back to the alma matter through all means to support the cause of building the institution for the larger goal of building a better nation.
On this occasion, the Chief Guest, Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala reminded the graduands that their learning doesn’t stop here and asked them to continuously “learn to learn”. He encouraged the graduands to stay connected, contribute to society and work on reversing climate change.
The Chancellor and Visionary Educationist, Shri Nissar Ahmed congratulated the 3270 Students graduating from the University. Calling the graduands as masterminds of future innovation, he advised them to work with passion and compassion to achieve their dreams.
The Fifth Convocation of Presidency University, Bangalore was held on November 26, 2022 in the University premises, where 3270 graduands including 2534 UG graduates, 689 Postgraduates and 47 Doctoral Candidates were awarded with Degree. Thirteen Gold medals were awarded to the toppers of different programs.
Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, IT & BT, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood and Pro-Visitor to Presidency University presided over the Convocation. Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Padma Shri Awardee, President, IITM Research Park, IITM Incubation Cell and RTBI, Institute Professor, IIT Madras, Chennai graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Other dignitaries who were present on the occasion were Dr. D. Subhakar, Vice Chancellor, Mr. Abdul Bari A, Registrar In-charge and Mr. Suhael Ahmed, Member Board of Governors (BoG).
The occasion was graced with the presence of the other members of the BoG which included, Mr. Salman Ahmed, Ms. Nafeesa Ahmed, Mr. C. A. Karnik, Dr. Abdul Rahiman, Dr. M. B. Rajegowda, Mr. V.K. Sridhar along with the trustee, Mr. Satyanarayan. The special invitees were Mr. S. T. Iyengar, Mr. Ramachandran Subramani. The key officials, Dr. A. M. Surendra Kumar, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. Muddu Vinay, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. Nakka Thrivikrama Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. Shilpa Mehta, Dean Academics, Dr. C.S. Ramesh, Dean, Research & Innovations, Dr. Sivaperumal, Director for International Relations and Dean – Sponsored Research. Dr, Abdul Sharief, Dean-SoE, Dr. Gunjeet Kaur, Dean-SoM, Dr. Sandeep S. Desai, Dean, SoL, Dr. Vinay Joshi, Associate Dean, SoC were also present for the fifth convocation ceremony. The event concluded with Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Surendra Kumar A M, Pro-Vice Chancellor – Academics and Examination.
The Gold Medalists include Uzra Ismat- M. Tech. Data Science, Thanya C – Master of Business Administration, Shibina Eldhose – LLM (SoL), Kenchanagondu Shashi Kumar - B.Tech. (Civil Engineering), Sangati Nitya Sai Teja Reddy – B.Tech. (Computer Science Engineering), Mukesh Nandy – B.Tech. (Electronics and Communication Engineering), Keshav Ganesh, – B.Tech. (Electrical and Electronics Engineering), Gongugunta Venkata Sai Mothish – B.Tech. (Mechanical Engineering), Prittha Roy Chowdhury – B.Tech. (Petroleum Engineering), Anuroopa D. – B.A. LLB. (Hons.), Asfan Aidah Shabbeer- BBA (SoC), Priyanka S P – BCA and Mahammed Sharoon – B.Com. (Hons.).

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Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
