Richard John Roberts, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, advised students to set a goal and work towards it with dedication and hard work. Delivering the convocation address at the KIIT University recently, he said one should have a look at every opportunity that comes one’s way.
Sir Roberts won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1993 for the discovery of split genes and mRNA splicing. “Embrace the change if something interesting comes along. Look for unusual things in life and latch on to any lucky breaks and take its full advantage,” he said, citing examples from his life and career. His wife Madam Jean Elizabeth Roberts was also present on the occasion.
Vice Chancellor Professor PP Mathur said that the university has focussed on building research facilities augmented by funding from various national and international agencies. Faculty members and research scholars of the university published around 700 research papers in peer reviewed journals and around 300 papers were presented in national and international seminars and conferences last year, he informed, adding that KIIT organised more than 90 international and national seminars, conferences and workshops this year.
As many as 5047 students of 2015-16 graduating batch of KIIT University received their degrees at its 12th annual convocation. Among them, 52 students got PhD degrees in various disciplines. The University conferred Honoris Causa Degrees of D.Sc and D.Litt on Sir Roberts and Dr. Khorakiwala respectively.
Khorakiwala said, it is a privilege to receive Honoris Causa DLitt from KIIT University, which has also honoured Nobel Laureates, Bharat Ratna Prof CNR Rao, Prof. MS Swaminathan and many other eminent personalities in previous years. Habil Khorakiwala, Chairman, Wockhardt Group, Chancellor of KIIT University and LN Mitra also addressed the gathering.
Sasmita Samanta, Registrar, KIIT University proposed the vote of thanks. Among others, members of the Board of Management and Academic Council, President of the KIIT and KISS Society, Saswati Bal, founder of the KIIT and KISS, Achyuta Samanta, Secretary, RN Dash and Pro-Chancellor, Subrat Acharya were present for the function and wished all the graduates well for their respective futures and careers.