15th Convocation of Vels University Ce lebrates
Academic Excellence and Honors Disti nguished Personalities
Chennai, 01-12-2024 – Vels University, l ocated in Chennai, celebrated its 15th Convocation Ceremony today, marking a significant milestone in the institutio n’s journey. The ceremony was graced by the Honorable Speaker of the Lok S abha, Shri Om Birla, who attended as t he chief guest.
Hon. Speaker Shri Om Birla’s Address
In his convocation address, Shri Om Bi rla commended the university’s remar kable journey under the visionary lead ership of Dr. Ishari Ganesh, who conti nues the legacy of his father, the late Mr. Ishari Velan, a former minister in M.G.R.’s Cabinet. Shri Birla highlighte d Dr. Ganesh’s exceptional leadership in shaping Vels University into one of Tamil Nadu’s most respected educatio nal institutions, emphasizing the forw ward-thinking approach that has led t o the creation of multiple centers of e xcellence at the university.
“As I look at the graduates before me today, I see not just students, but futu re leaders, dreamers, and doers. You are the pillars of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Dev eloped India), and the responsibility n ow lies upon you to lead our nation in to the 21st century,” said Shri Birla.
He also paid tribute to the legacy of D r. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Tamil Nadu’s fo rmer President, who taught the im po rtance of humility and integrity. Shri Birla expressed his confidence in the graduates’ ability to contribute to the nation’s progress and congratulated t he awardees and the graduating stude nts for their remarkable achievemen ts.
Honorary Doctorates Conferred
The ceremony also witnessed the confe prral of honorary doctorates to three d istinguished individuals, recognizing t heir exceptional contributions to their respective fields:
Mr. S. J. Surya – Acclaimed director, ac tor, producer, lyricist, and singer, hon ored with an honorary doctorate for hi s 25-year career in the film industry. H is debut in Vali and continued success in South Indian cinema were celebrate d as major milestones in his journey.
Mr. Pullela Gopichand – Celebrated ba dminton coach, awarded an honorary doctorate for his invaluable contribut ion to Indian badminton. Mr. Gopicha nd’s mentorship of athletes like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, as well as his efforts in promoting the sport, earned him national recognition, including te he Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
Mr. C. K. Kumaravel – Founder of Natu rals Group of Beauty Salons, honored for his entrepreneurial achievements. With over 700 stores worldwide, Kuma ravel has transformed the beauty indu stry and strives to empower women en trepreneurs through his initiatives.
Distinguished University Leadership
The ceremony was also attended by ot her esteemed leaders of the university, including:
Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder Chancel lor,Dr. A. Jothi Murugan, Pro Chancell or (Planning and Chancellor (Planning and Devepment Chancellor Planning and Dr. Arthi Ganesh, Pro Chancellor (Administration) Dr.Preetha Ganesh, V ice President, Vels Group of instituio n Dr. Sriman Narayanan, Vice Chancel l or Dr. M. Baskaran, Pro Vice Chancello r,Dr. P. Saravanan, Registrar,Dr. A. Ud haya Kumar, Controller of Examinatio ns.
About Vels University
Established in 2008 and recognized as a deemed-to-be university by the Minis try of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, Vels Un iversity (VISTAS) has established itself as a leading multidisciplinary instituti on in Tamil Nadu. Spread across three campuses covering 100 acres in Chenn ai, Vels University offers a wide range of programs from undergraduate to do ctoral levels, across diverse fields such as Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Tec hnology, Agriculture, Oceanography, L aw, Arts, and Sciences.
In addition to its academic success, Ve ls University recently achieved the pre stigious NAAC A++ accreditation, unde rscoring its commitment to academic e xcellence.