Valedictory Programme of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Hindustan University

The Valedictory Programme saw the culmination of an yearlong celebration of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Hindustan University. The programme was presided over by the Chancellor, Dr. Elizabeth Verghese. The Chief Guest for the occasion was the Hon’ble Minister of State for HRD, Govt. of India, Dr. D. Purandeswari and the Guest of Honour was the US Consul General, Consulate General of the USA, Ms. Jennifer Mc.Intyre. Also gracing the occasion were Proj. P. J. Kurien, Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha and Former Minister of State (Home Affairs) , Govt. of India, Mr. I. D. Swami. Felicitations on the occasion were delivered by Rev. Dr. Xavier Alphonse, Member, University Grants Commission, Mr. H. R. Mohan, Associate Vice President (Systems), The Hindu, Chennai and Former Principal, Hindustan College of Engineering, Dr. V. A. Eshwar.

Courtesy: Chennai Engineering Colleges

The programme began with the rendering of the Hindustan Anthem which is a celebration of the lofty visions and ideals of a University as envisioned through the eyes of the late Founder Chairman Dr. K. C. G. Verghese. The anthem was composed by Ms Ujjaiyini Roy , Playback singer with the A. R. Rahman entourage and was directed by Brand Munni Consulting. The Vice-Chancellor , Dr. K. Sarukesi welcomed the august gathering and gave an overview of the achievements and milestones of the University from her status of Hindustan College of Engineering to the current status – a period of 25 fruitful years. A video presentation on the universities’ journey over the past 25 years was screened for the audience. In her presidential address, the Chancellor, HITS, spoke of the vision of the founder and thanked TEAM HINDUSTAN for all their efforts in bringing the university to the forefront in the arena of technical education. She mentioned that 80% of graduates were coming out of private institutions which are increasingly playing a pivotal role in the educational landscape of the country however, she pointed out the private institutions are yet to receive their due recognition and share in terms of funding and visibility through government support. She appealed to the Hon’ble to look into this aspect and provide necessary support.

Courtesy: Chennai Engineering Colleges

The Hon’ble Minister gave an enormous insight into the system of Higher Education and emphasized that the centre required the support of the State Government to act on issues like support to private institutions and rising the age of retirement. The Guest of Honour , Ms. Jennifer Mc.Inytre was quick to acknowledge that USA and India have enjoyed a long relationship and mentioned that there were multiple ways to expand the bonds to enhance knowledge exchange and mutual understanding. Prof. P. J. Kurien in his special address was happy to recollect his moments with the late founder whom he called his friend and a great visionary who converted possibilities into reality. He wished that Hindustan University would be not just one of the best but the best among the reputed institutions. Mr. I. D. Swami , Former Minister of State(Home Affairs ), Govt. of India congratulated the Chancellor on her admirable work with the administration of the University and wished her the best for another fruitful 25 years ahead.

Courtesy: Chennai Engineering Colleges

Hindustan Journal was released on the occasion. The journal was handed over to the Guest of Honour, Ms. Jennifer A Mclntyre by Dr. R. Devanathan , Chief Editor. The first copy was released and was received by Mr. Anand Jacob Verghese , Pro Chancellor, HITS. A Souvenir commemorating the 25 years of service to education by the institution was aptly released on the occasion. The copy was handed over to the Chief Guest, Dr. D. Purandeswari by Ms. Akkara Sherine, Editor . The souvenir was released by the Chief Guest and the first copy was received by Dr. Elizabeth Verghese, Chancellor , Hindustan University.

Courtesy: Chennai Engineering Colleges

Felicitations on the occasion were given by Rev. Dr. Xavier Alphonse, Member, University Grants Commission, Mr. H. R. Mohan, Associate Vice President ( Systems), The Hindu, Chennai and Former Principal, Hindustan College of Engineering , Dr. V. A. Eswar. The Director (Academic) proposed the vote of thanks and the programme came to a close to the tune of the National Anthem.