Karnal: The 20th Convocation of the prestigious ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute convened today in Karnal, Haryana, marking a significant milestone in the academic journey of its graduating students. Dr. Dheer Singh, Director of the Institute and Vice Chancellor, Deemed University, inaugurated the event, setting the tone for an inspiring ceremony.
Distinguished agricultural scientist, Padma Bhushan Dr. R.S. Paroda, former Secretary (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, graced the occasion as the keynote speaker. Addressing the assembly, Dr. Paroda underscored the vital role played by the National Dairy Research Institute in advancing the dairy sector, commending its commitment to excellence and innovation.
A total of 278 students were conferred degrees during the convocation, symbolizing their dedication and academic achievements. Among them, 49 students received B. Tech degrees, 127 attained Master’s degrees, and 102 were awarded PhD degrees, reflecting the diverse academic landscape fostered by the institute.
Dr. Dheer Singh, in his presidential address, emphasized the institute’s pioneering efforts in leveraging cutting-edge technologies for cattle and buffalo breeding, aimed at enhancing productivity and disease control. He urged the graduating cohort to embrace entrepreneurship, echoing the institute’s vision of fostering self-reliant leaders in the agricultural domain.
Highlighting the institute’s global outreach, Dr. Singh revealed that over 100 students received international exposure training in the past year, enhancing their skill set and perspective. Moreover, he lauded the institute’s initiatives such as dairy fairs, which engage stakeholders across various regions, promoting knowledge dissemination and industry interaction.
Addressing the pressing issue of nutritional security, Dr. Paroda emphasized the imperative of sustained efforts in agricultural research and policy to ensure food sovereignty. He applauded India’s progress in dairy production, attributing it to concerted endeavors in the agricultural sector, while also advocating for a heightened focus on climate change mitigation in alignment with international agreements.
The convocation also saw the conferral of honorary degrees upon eminent personalities in the agricultural domain, recognizing their contributions to the field. Dr. K.M. Bujarbarua, former Vice Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, and Dr. D.V.K Prakashrao, Managing Director of Prakash Foods and Feed Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, were among the distinguished recipients.
In recognition of academic excellence, gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to outstanding students across various disciplines. Additionally, merit certificates were presented to commendable performers, underscoring the institute’s commitment to nurturing talent and scholarly pursuits.
The convocation witnessed the esteemed presence of eminent personalities, including Dr. Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Vice Chancellor of Govind Ballasabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, and Padma Shri Dr. M.L. Madan. Their participation underscored the collective commitment towards advancing agricultural research and education in India.