The 8th Convocation ceremony of Nagaland University was held at the University Auditorium, I Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Lumami headquarters on March 6, with Vice-President of India, CP Radhakrishnan attending as the chief guest.
He was accompanied by Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Nagaland; TR Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland; S Phangnon Konyak, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Metsübo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development and State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Government of Nagaland; and P Bashangmongba Chang, Minister for Housing and Mechanical Engineering, Government of Nagaland.
The programme was also attended by other dignitaries, guests, and officials from the district administrations of Mokokchung and Zunheboto.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President expressed happiness at visiting Nagaland for the first time after assuming office. Describing the state as a “living canvas where nature, culture and courage blend in breathtaking harmony,” he praised the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Naga people.
He emphasized that the greatest achievement of a university is not merely the knowledge it stores but the leaders it creates. The Vice-President noted that Nagaland University has produced several distinguished achievers including civil servants, scientists, agricultural entrepreneurs and leaders across various fields.
Congratulating the graduating students, he said convocation marks a milestone where years of effort transform into a new beginning. He reminded the graduates that their degrees carry not only their own achievements but also the sacrifices of parents, guidance of teachers and support of friends.
Encouraging youth to contribute to the state’s development, he urged them to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in sectors such as organic products, bamboo innovation, forest-based industries, eco-tourism, handloom, handicrafts and digital marketplaces. He also advised the students to say “no to drugs” and to use social media responsibly.
Referring to national initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India and Make in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said these programmes have created a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country.
He also highlighted the Centre’s focus on the North-East through initiatives like PM-DevINE, aimed at funding infrastructure, social development and livelihood projects across the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor of Nagaland and Chief Rector of the University, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, expressed his pleasure at being present for the historic occasion. He extended a warm welcome to the Vice President and congratulated the graduating students for their perseverance, discipline, and pursuit of knowledge.
Bhalla stated that convocation is not merely a ceremonial event but a celebration of hard work and determination. He said that as the only central university in the state, Nagaland University carries a special responsibility to serve as a beacon of higher learning, research, and innovation. He commended the Vice-Chancellor, faculty members, and staff for their dedication in shaping young minds.
Encouraging the graduates, the Governor said they carry not only degrees but also values such as integrity, compassion, and responsibility, and urged them to use their knowledge for the greater good of society. He also highlighted the importance of creativity, resilience, and ethical leadership in a rapidly changing world and encouraged the students to remain lifelong learners.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address and report, Vice-Chancellor Jagdish Kumar Patnaik said the university continues to grow as the only central university in Nagaland since its establishment in 1994. He informed that the university awarded degrees to 6,884 students, including 107 PhD scholars, 825 postgraduate students, 846 graduates from professional programmes and 5,106 undergraduate students. A total of 54 gold medallists were honoured for academic excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that Nagaland University currently serves more than 26,000 undergraduate students across 77 affiliated colleges and continues to expand its research activities. During the academic year 2025–2026, faculty members published 320 research articles in Scopus-indexed journals and 106 articles in Web of Science-indexed journals, while 39 patents were granted.
He also highlighted infrastructure development under the HEFA initiative, with seven buildings completed under Phase I and 20 additional buildings sanctioned under Phase II across campuses at Lumami, Kohima and Medziphema.
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Speaking on the occasion, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang described the convocation as a historic and proud moment for the people of Nagaland. He welcomed the Vice-President and said his presence added significance and inspiration to the occasion.
Zeliang congratulated the graduating students and said the convocation is not merely a ceremony but a celebration of perseverance, dedication and dreams realized. He reminded the graduates that education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about building character, integrity and responsibility.
He said the world today faces many challenges, including technological transformation, climate concerns and economic changes, but also presents immense opportunities.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged the graduates to become innovators and ambassadors of peace and progress, contributing to the advancement of Nagaland and the nation.
He also expressed appreciation to parents and teachers for their sacrifices, guidance and encouragement in shaping the achievements of the students.
During the conferment of degrees and award ceremony at the 8th Convocation of Nagaland University, a total of 147 candidates received their degree certificates in person across various programmes. These included 53 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) scholars, 31 Master of Arts, 27 Master of Science, 21 Master of Science (Agriculture), 4 Bachelor of Technology, and one candidate each from Master of Education, Master of Science (Biotechnology), Master of Commerce, Master of Social Work, Master of Law, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science (Agriculture), Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law.
During the ceremony, 11 Gold Medals to stream toppers were presented by the Vice-President of India, followed by group photographs with the awardees in five groups consisting of six to seven candidates each. In total, 43 candidates received gold medals in person from different schools and programmes, including Master of Science (8), Master of Social Science (10), Master of Management Studies (1), Master of Humanities and Education (8), Professional Studies (2), Master of Agricultural Sciences (10), and Undergraduate Studies (4).
The conferment session concluded with the national song Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem, after which the convocation programme continued.
Prior to the convocation ceremony, the Vice-President of India, inaugurated laid the foundation stone for the HEFA Phase-II Buildings, at the Auditorium Courtyard, Nagaland University, Lumami.
