The 3rd Convocation Ceremony of Vanita Vishram Women’s University, the first and only women’s university of Gujarat, managed by Vanita Vishram, Surat, was solemnly organized on 8-1-26 at the Bajigauri Open Air Theatre, Vanita Vishram Campus.
The convocation was honoured by the presence of the Honourable Governor of Bihar, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, as the Chief Guest. Shri Hasmukhbhai Patel (IPS, Retd.), Chairman of the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC), attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour.
In his convocation address, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan fondly recalled the visionary service initiated by the Shivgauri and Bajigauri sisters in Surat nearly 119 years ago, which laid a strong foundation for women’s education and empowerment. He urged the graduating students to view the convocation not merely as the culmination of their academic journey, but as a celebration of perseverance, achievement, and the beginning of new responsibilities. He emphasized that education is not limited to acquiring degrees, but serves as a powerful instrument for nurturing value-based, sensitive, and socially responsible citizens.
Highlighting the significance of women’s education, the Chief Guest remarked that the true foundation of values, civilization, and culture is built through educated and empowered women. He noted that the progress of families, society, and the nation is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of women. Encouraging the students to move forward with confidence, diligence, and moral integrity, he called upon them to contribute meaningfully to national development. Shri Arif Mohammed Khan also reflected upon the early movements of women’s empowerment in Gujarat and the rich cultural heritage of Surat, referring to the contributions of the courageous poet Narmad and his progressive views on women’s education.
He further acknowledged the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative launched by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendrabhai Modi, underscoring the importance of a positive societal mindset and equal opportunities for daughters. He lauded Vanita Vishram Women’s University for its commendable efforts in providing affordable, quality education to students from economically weaker and middle-class backgrounds, and extended his best wishes to all graduating and post-graduating students for a bright and successful future.
Addressing the gathering, GPSC Chairman Shri Hasmukhbhai Patel advised the students to perceive education not as an end, but as the beginning of a new and challenging journey. Referring to education as a “second innings,” he shared insights from his own experiences of succeeding in various competitive examinations and encouraged students to bring honour to their alma mater, parents, and society at large.
During the convocation, gold medals were awarded to 23 meritorious students. Degrees were conferred upon a total of 1,492 students, including 468 from the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, 232 from the Faculty of Science, 418 from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, 312 from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and 62 from the Faculty of Vocational Studies.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Deepak N. Khambhati, President, Vanita Vishram Women’s University; Shri Kiplani T. Desai, President, Board of Management, Vanita Vishram Women’s University and Chairman, Vanita Vishram, Surat; Shri Pravin T. Vora, Vice President, Board of Management and Vice Chairman, Vanita Vishram, Surat; Dr. Dakhesh Thakar, Provost, Vanita Vishram Women’s University; Shri Manhar C. Desai, Secretary, Vanita Vishram; Dr. R. D. Patel, Registrar; Dr. Satish Patel, Controller of Examinations; along with members of the Governing Body, Board of Management, Managing Council (Mumbai), and the Surat Administrative Committee.