Kumar Bahukhandi
Governor Ramen Deka (centre) and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao (to the Governor’s right in the photograph) take part in a presentation at the seventh convocation of Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University in Bilaspur on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University confers degrees and diplomas on 24,800 students from the past five years at its seventh convocation in Bilaspur
Key Highlights
- Governor Ramen Deka urges graduates to learn from setbacks and pursue careers suited to their interests and abilities.
- The university confers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and diplomas at its seventh convocation.
- An upgraded university website is launched and the commemorative publication Abhyuday is released.
- The university distributes bags, sweaters, lunch boxes and water bottles to 311 students of Eklavya School, Devpahari.
Bilaspur: Governor Ramen Deka urged young people to build their own identity through self-confidence, perseverance and a belief in their individual talents. Presiding over the seventh convocation of Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, he called on graduates to use their education to improve their own lives and bring positive change to society.
The university conferred undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and diplomas on 24,800 students from the past five years. Congratulating the graduates and medal recipients, Deka acknowledged the role of parents, teachers and educational institutions in their achievements. He described the convocation as a moment to take on new responsibilities with renewed energy.
Learn from Setbacks and Build on Your Strengths
Governor Ramen Deka (centre), Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and other guests hold up copies of Abhyuday at its release during the seventh convocation of Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University in Bilaspur on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Deka said young people should examine the reasons for a setback, learn from their mistakes and try again. With new avenues for employment and livelihoods opening up, he urged them to identify work that matched their interests and abilities and pursue it with dedication.
“Understand why you fell short, learn from your mistakes and try again. Trust what makes you unique and work hard to make your own place in life,” Deka said.
He urged parents to give children room to discover their interests and help them develop their talents. He also spoke about the value of inner satisfaction, balance and the ability to adapt as circumstances change.
Open Learning Extends Access to Education
Governor Ramen Deka (seated at centre) joins graduates, university officials and guests for a group photograph at the seventh convocation of Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University in Bilaspur on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
The Governor said open universities help take education to remote areas and widen opportunities for learners. The internet and digital technology, he added, have made knowledge easier to access. He urged students to use these tools judiciously, develop their ability to think and create, and avoid spending excessive time on digital devices.
Deka pointed to everyday ways graduates could contribute to their communities, such as keeping their surroundings clean and planting and caring for trees.
“Education should help us achieve personal success and bring positive change to society,” he said.
University Launches Upgraded Website and Releases Abhyuday
The university launched its upgraded official website and released its commemorative publication, Abhyuday, during the ceremony. It also distributed school bags, sweaters, lunch boxes and water bottles to 311 students of Eklavya School in Devpahari.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao congratulated the graduates and medal recipients and encouraged them to put their knowledge and skills to work for society. He said the university, named after freedom fighter and social reformer Pandit Sundarlal Sharma, gives people a route to higher education when work or other commitments make regular classes difficult. He also congratulated the university on receiving an A+ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and highlighted its role in expanding access under the National Education Policy.
Haryana State Higher Education Council Chairman Kailash Chandra Sharma delivered the convocation address, and NAAC Chairman Nageshwar Rao also spoke. Vice-Chancellor Virendra Kumar Saraswat outlined the university’s achievements in his welcome address.
MLAs Dharamlal Kaushik and Sushant Shukla, Bilaspur Mayor Pooja Vidhani, vice-chancellors of other universities, members of the executive council, faculty, students and parents attended.
