“Both Education Of Mind, Heart Are Important For Formation Of An Individual": Santa Jeremy Ono, VC Of University Of British Columbia

 "The world faces many challenges – disease, climate change, environmental destruction, poverty, and war. Whether in Canada or Karnataka, we need to step up to meet those challenges, and graduates such as yourselves will help to do so", that was the essence of Dr. Santa Jeremy Ono, the 15th President and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia, the Chief Guest on the opening day of 29th Convocation Day of MAHE on Saturday, Oct 9, 2021.

The first day of the convocation witnessed the graceful presence of the Chief Guest of the afternoon Dr Santa Ono, President & Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia, Mrs. Vasanti R Pai, Trustee MAHE Trust, Pro-Chancellor Dr H.S. Ballal, Dr Ranjan R Pai, Registrar, Academy of General Education and President, MAHE Trust, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, Dr PLNG Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr CS Thammaiah, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr Dilip G Naik, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr Pragna Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Registrar and Dr Vinod V Thomas, Registrar, Evaluation.

In convocation address on the meticulously planned and brilliantly executed, spread over two days at 3.00 pm, KMC Greens, Manipal, Dr Santa Ono, President & Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia, congratulated the students on completion of graduation. In his speech, he said “You are at a transformative time in your lives – a world of possibilities lies before you and encourages them to seize the day as the way from here is up and forward. I believe there are two types of education – education of the mind and education of the heart. Education of the mind is what you read in textbooks or hear in lectures. It's what you're examined on. But the education of the heart is even more important in your formation as an individual, and as a human being and citizen, and a global change agent for a better world”. He further said that “When I think of young people such as yourselves, and what you’ve done to get to this day, I am confident that the world is in good hands, and that we will meet and overcome the challenges we face.” and congratulated all the graduated students.

Speaking on the occasion, Pro-Chancellor Dr. H.S. Ballal said, “A convocation ceremony for students is a milestone achieved which will forever hold a very special place in their hearts and they will cherish these moments forever. We at MAHE wholeheartedly wish all our students a glorious future. Our students have always been our pride and honour, and we are certain each one of you will make MAHE and your parents proud.”

Lt. Gen (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, said, “At MAHE we have over 375 programmes across 31 disciplines and today we would like to congratulate all our 2125 students, their parents, and the entire MAHE family for their relentless efforts especially during the COVID pandemic. Today, we are recognized as one of India’s top universities by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) by the Union HRD Ministry which is a demonstration of great and committed team work in fulfilling the dream of our Founder Dr TMA Pai”.

Commenting on the 29th Convocation, Dr. PLNG Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (HS) MAHE, said “Today we feel a sense of pride as we witness our student’s graduation ceremony. Times have been tough for each one of us, but our determination helped us get through this. I congratulate all our students and wish the very best for their future endeavours.”

Presenting the Vote of Thanks, Registrar Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, thanked all the dignitaries present at the occasion and extend heartfelt gratitude to parents, students including esteemed press and media representatives.