Miscellaneous
Thapa presides over convocation
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa on Saturday attended the maiden convocation of South Asian University here in the Indian Capital.Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa on Saturday attended the maiden convocation of South Asian University here in the Indian Capital.
The programme was presided over by DPM Thapa, while Minister of State for External Affairs of India Gen VK Singh was the chief guest.
A total of 652 students were conferred the Master’s degree in various programmes that included applied mathematics, biotechnology, computer science, development economics, international relations, legal studies and sociology. Two scholars were conferred MPhil degrees and 30 programme toppers were honoured with the SAU Gold Medal. Students from all the eight Saarc member states were present at the convocation. Speaking at the event, DPM Thapa stressed the role of the university in helping create a better understanding in the region. He observed that the South Asian region was gaining importance in the world with its shared prosperity backed by the economic growth of India. Thapa said it was the responsibility of India to take it forward.
Gen Singh talked about the commonality the countries of the region share—history, geography, culture, aspirations and challenges. He also spoke about the importance of cooperation in education to collectively fulfill the objectives set out for the region.
He asked the graduates to keep their friendship alive as they are the future of the region and their friendship will go a long way in bringing about prosperity in the region. The SAU came into operation in 2010.