- CEPT University holds 19th Convocation, 644 students receive degrees
- Barjor Mehta, President, CEPT University encourages the graduates to maintain a strong connection with the University and assured them of the University’s continued support
- Sanjay Lalbhai, Chairman of CEPT University, emphasizes on Ahmedabad’s unique potential to become a global hub of interdisciplinary learning and research
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JAN 18
Dr. Ajay Shah, a distinguished academician serving as Professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and Senior Research Fellow and Co-founder of XKDR Forum, on Saturday encouraged the students to contemplate the deeper meaning of their lives and their roles in contributing to the world.
He was addressing at the 19th Annual Convocation of CEPT University here on Saturday.
Drawing upon the wisdom of Greek philosophy, Chief Guest Dr. Ajay Shah, encouraged students to contemplate the deeper meaning of their lives and their roles in contributing to the world, in his Convocation address. He emphasized that this is just the beginning of a long journey and that their values and aspirations will evolve over time. He urged them to engage in introspection, question their assumptions, and explore what truly matters to them. Dr. Shah emphasized the importance of finding purpose beyond personal ambition and seeking to contribute to something larger than themselves.
A total of 644 students received their degrees, including 398 postgraduates, 244 undergraduates, and two Doctor of Philosophy recipients.
The graduating class comprised 205 students from the Faculty of Architecture, 105 from the Faculty of Design, 11 from the Faculty of Management, 168 from the Faculty of Planning, 155 from the Faculty of Technology. 45 meritorious students were awarded University Awards of Proficiency for their outstanding academic achievements.
Decked in the customary off-white and beige ensembles with colourful stoles, the student procession – led by Sanjay Lalbhai, Chairman; Prof. Barjor Mehta, President, and the Chief Guest Dr. Ajay Shah – entered the iconic Shrenikbhai Plaza where they were welcomed with enthusiastic cheers from families and guests.
As students filed into their seating areas, Prof Mehta, Lalbhai and Dr Shah were joined on stage by Prof Tridip Suhrud, Provost; Anita Hiranandani, Registrar; and the Deans of different faculties for the proceedings.
Prof. Barjor Mehta, President, CEPT University, warmly welcomed the gathering and congratulated the graduating batches. He highlighted the significance of this Convocation, particularly given the successful completion of the inaugural cohorts of the Master’s in Housing Design and Master’s in Architectural Tectonics programs. These programs, he emphasized, address crucial industry demands, from developing innovative housing solutions to integrating technical construction aspects with creative design. Extending his best wishes for their future endeavours, Prof. Mehta encouraged the graduates to maintain a strong connection with the University and assured them of the University’s continued support.
Sanjay Lalbhai, Chairman of CEPT University, emphasized on Ahmedabad’s unique potential to become a global hub of interdisciplinary learning and research. With a remarkable concentration of premier institutions within a 9 sq km radius, the city offers an unparalleled environment for fostering true collaboration. By breaking down disciplinary silos and encouraging students to explore diverse fields, educational institutions can empower students to address the complex challenges facing humanity. He stressed the need to foster a culture of collaboration among these institutions to effectively leverage their collective strengths to create a truly transformative learning experience.
First Batch of Graduates in ‘Urban Housing’ and ‘Architecture Tectonics”
This Convocation also marks a significant milestone with the graduation of the first cohorts from two recently introduced programs. As many as 19 students earned their Master’s Degree in Urban Housing, a unique program addressing the critical need for architect-led solutions in the burgeoning commercial housing sector, which constitutes 70% of the building industry.
Additionally, 19 students graduated with a Master’s Degree in Architecture Tectonics. It is a rigorous studio-based program supported by a state-of-the-art workshop and it equips students with a deep understanding of materials and construction systems.
Following the larger Convocation ceremony, each Faculty at the University held their individual Convocation ceremony, where students were handed over their individual degrees by the Deans of each faculty. The Faculty Convocations were graced by distinguished personalities, including Himani Jain (Sr. Program Lead, CEEW), Manish Srivastava (Professor, New York University), Raj Rewal (Architect, Raj Rewal Associates), Biswas Gaurav (Founder & CEO, Trukker), and Dr. Susmita Mohanty (Co-Founder & Director General, Spaceport SARABHAI), who served as Chief Guests for the respective Faculties.
