After a gap of over a decade, Manipur University held its 15th Convocation at the university auditorium in Chanchipur on Friday, marking a major academic milestone and celebrating the achievements of graduating students.
The ceremony was graced by Governor of Manipur and Chief Rector Ajay Kumar Bhalla as Chief Guest, while Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended as Guest of Honour. The event was presided over by Chancellor T. Tirupati Rao. Students from affiliated colleges, including Bethany College in Churachandpur, Presidency College in Kangpokpi, and Moreh College in Moreh, joined the ceremony via virtual mode.
Prior to the conferring of degrees to postgraduate and PhD scholars, Vice-Chancellor N. Lokendra Singh presented the University Report, describing the convocation as both the culmination of academic pursuits and a recognition of sustained student efforts. He also highlighted the successful organisation of the long-awaited ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor noted key institutional achievements, including a NAAC accreditation of B+ and placement in the 101–150 band in the NIRF rankings. He underlined improvements in academic discipline, stating that examinations have been conducted and results declared on time, with classes following the academic calendar strictly.
Highlighting academic growth, he said the university’s 47 departments have made significant progress over the past decade. Implementation of the National Education Policy from the 2020–21 academic session has introduced five-year integrated programmes to promote interdisciplinary learning. Departments such as Forest and Environment, History, and Life Sciences have also been restructured for greater specialization. On the research front, faculty members have published over 1,500 papers in reputed national and international journals.
The university currently accommodates nearly 2,000 students in its hostels, including facilities for working women.
In sports and infrastructure, multiple playgrounds and the Dr. Kamal Indoor Stadium have been upgraded, along with the construction of an open gym. The university secured top honours at the All India University North-East Zone Festival in Guwahati and performed commendably at the Inter-University Festival in Chennai. Between 2021–22 and 2026, it won a total of 127 medals, including 45 gold.
Delivering the convocation address, Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities, described it as an opportune time to graduate, citing the implementation of NEP, the rise of artificial intelligence, and India’s emergence as a major global economy.
In his presidential address, Chancellor T. Tirupati Rao commended students for their resilience in overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and ethnic tensions in the state, expressing confidence in their future contributions.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla urged students to uphold constitutional values and foster tolerance and inclusivity in Manipur’s multi-ethnic society. He encouraged them to face challenges with courage, humility, and confidence.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening higher education and skill development. He revealed that 572 students secured placements in government and private sectors over the past two years and encouraged graduates to become job creators rather than job seekers, viewing their degrees as a responsibility toward nation-building.
