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Character, not degrees alone, defines success: UP governor

Anthony Hernandez - bharatmorningnews.com जुलाई 22, 2026

Foto : Anthony Hernandez - bharatmorningnews.com

Character Not Degrees Alone Defines Success: UP Governor's Message to Graduates Bharatmorningnews.com – this powerful message was delivered by Uttar

Character Not Degrees Alone Defines Success: UP Governor’s Message to Graduates

Bharatmorningnews.com – this powerful message was delivered by Uttar Pradesh governor and chancellor Anandiben Patel during her address to graduating students of Maa Shakambhari University on Tuesday. Speaking at the university’s fourth convocation ceremony, the governor emphasized that while academic qualifications are important, they do not solely determine an individual’s worth or potential. She asserted that character remains a person’s greatest identity and the true measure of their accomplishments in life.

The virtual convocation ceremony witnessed a remarkable gathering as 22,315 students were awarded undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Among these graduates, 99 meritorious students received gold medals for their exceptional academic performance. The event was graced by Prof Anil Kumar, who attended as the chief guest and shared his insights with the graduating class.

Building Character Through Education and Self-Improvement

In her comprehensive address, Patel stressed that the real value of education lies in shaping responsible and ethical citizens who contribute positively to society. She told students who did not receive gold medals not to be discouraged, saying that the greatest competition is with oneself rather than with others. According to her, honesty, perseverance and continuous self-improvement ultimately lead to success in life’s journey.

Highlighting the importance of digital governance, the governor said students should take full advantage of the Centre’s digital initiatives. She noted that universities now make degrees and mark sheets available through DigiLocker, yet only a limited number of students use the platform. She directed the vice-chancellor and faculty members to ensure every student learns how to access and manage academic documents digitally so they can retrieve their certificates from anywhere in the world.

Character not degrees alone defines success. Education must shape not just minds, but hearts and character.

Patel also appealed to the youth to join the drug-free India campaign, warning that substance abuse destroys talent, damages health and shatters the hopes of families. She urged students to channel their energy into constructive pursuits such as yoga, sports, literature, innovation and social service. These activities, she explained, build strong character and prepare young people for meaningful contributions to nation-building.

Calling for greater environmental responsibility, the governor praised the development work undertaken at Maa Shakumbhari Devi Dham and referred to Gujarat’s successful Banas Dairy model. She suggested that the university launch an environmental campaign involving women in producing seed balls made from cow dung and soil to increase greenery across surrounding hills. She also appealed to every student to plant at least one tree in their mother’s name and take responsibility for nurturing it throughout its growth.

Emphasising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Patel said India’s progress would depend on the capabilities of its youth. She urged universities to transform themselves from institutions that merely confer degrees into centres of research, innovation, skill development and employment generation. She encouraged students to explore emerging fields including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC), space science, startups and opportunities created under the National Education Policy.

The convocation also featured several community outreach initiatives that demonstrated the university’s commitment to social responsibility. The university distributed kits to 100 Anganwadi workers, honoured six meritorious students from schools in five adopted villages and recognised three outstanding teachers affiliated with the university. Students from primary schools presented cultural performances centred on environmental conservation and patriotism.

A total of 22,315 students received degrees during the ceremony, including 19,069 undergraduate and 3,246 postgraduate students. Among the undergraduate recipients were 6,770 male and 12,299 female students, while the postgraduate degrees were awarded to 812 male and 2,434 female students. This achievement reflects the university’s growing reach and impact in higher education.

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