Ahmedabad University’s 15th convocation, Padma Shri Prof. Sitanshu Yashaschandra a renowned poet, playwright, and scholar spoke about the role of universities in shaping thoughtful and responsible citizens. He encouraged graduates to question beliefs and use language with care.
Degrees were conferred on 833 students from the Amrut Mody School of Management, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Six doctoral degrees were awarded. Gold medals were presented for academic excellence and leadership to five – Jinay Shah (MBA), Mustafa Murtuza Rupawala (Integrated MBA), Prashansa Shah (BTech), Dev Morbia (BBA Honours), and Om Parekh (BA Honours).
“Disability doesn’t always come from the body – it often comes from the environment. When the society fails to support people, it ends up disabling them. Our languages, too, can be harsh. Language is powerful. It can reveal, hide, or even distort reality. Today, different disciplines are coming together, each with their own way of thinking. This makes us ask – are we, through our actions, making people disabled?” Prof Yashaschandra said.
“Your education should help you confront that question. I hope Ahmedabad University keeps nurturing thoughtful individuals and a balanced society,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Lalbhai, Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors at the university, advised graduates to embrace both success and failure and consider them essential for growth. “Follow your passions and innate abilities. Face challenges with resilience and make a difference through curiosity and thoughtful action,” he said.
Prof Pankaj Chandra, Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Management, urged the graduating batch to remain intellectually open and self-aware. “When you ask questions, your ideas often clash with your beliefs. That is when the real learning begins. Beliefs feel safe – they give you stability. But it is ideas that take you forward, that help you grow. So when you feel most certain, that is the time to question yourself the most. That is how you will reach closer to the truth – not through someone else’s eyes, but your own.”