- Governor Mangubhai Patel highlights education, innovation, environmental protection and social service as key contributions of youth towards India’s development by 2047
Bhopal, September 18, 2026: The convocation ceremony of Barkatullah University, Bhopal, was held at the Kushabhau Thackeray International Convention Centre on Friday, where Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel called upon young people to use their education, talent and energy for the development of society, protection of the environment and national progress.
Addressing graduating students, Governor Patel said that youth have an important role in contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047. He encouraged students to combine personal success with social responsibility, innovation and public service.
The Governor also urged students to remain humble after achieving success and remember the contributions of their parents, teachers and society.
Governor Highlights Role of Education in Character Building
Governor Mangubhai Patel described the convocation as a celebration of years of students' hard work, discipline and dedication. He said graduation marks the beginning of new responsibilities and opportunities in students' lives.
He recalled the contribution and patriotic spirit of freedom fighter and educationist Barkatullah and encouraged students to uphold the dignity of their university and families wherever they go.
Highlighting the Indian knowledge tradition, Governor Patel said education has historically been viewed not merely as a means of acquiring information and knowledge but also as a path towards the search for truth, character building and public welfare.
He referred to the traditional Guru-Shishya system and cited the example of Shri Krishna, Balarama and Sudama receiving education together at the ashram of Guru Sandipani.
The Governor said India's knowledge traditions should be connected with contemporary challenges and used to support innovation for the future.
Green Energy Theme Highlighted at Convocation
The Governor appreciated the convocation theme, ‘Initiative to Build Viksit Bharat through Green Energy’, and emphasised that economic and social development must be accompanied by environmental protection.
He noted that continued exploitation of natural resources has contributed to challenges such as climate change and global warming.
Governor Patel called upon students to promote tree plantation and water conservation through public participation. He also referred to the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
He cited an example from the Rann of Kutch where a teacher couple involved children in plantation activities to create a school boundary using trees. According to the Governor, initiatives may be small in scale, but strong ideas and determination can create a wider impact.
He also encouraged universities to develop innovations in energy, renewable energy and water conservation and demonstrate sustainable lifestyles through their own practices.
Students Encouraged to Participate in Social Service
Governor Patel said the ‘Jan Seva Sankalp’ campaign is being conducted from September 17 to October 17.
He encouraged universities to organise service camps with student participation and promote socially beneficial activities, including blood donation for patients affected by sickle cell disease, thalassemia and cancer.
He described blood donation as an important form of service and said the spirit of service among young people can contribute to the foundation of a developed India.
Girls' Enrolment in Higher Education Increases in Madhya Pradesh
Higher, Technical Education and AYUSH Minister Inder Singh Parmar thanked the university for regularly organising convocation programmes.
Minister Parmar said the participation of girls in higher education is increasing and stated that this year, enrolment of girls in higher education in Madhya Pradesh has exceeded that of boys.
He described the increasing participation of girls as an indication of changing patterns in education and society.
The Minister also highlighted Madhya Pradesh's implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, stating that the state is among the leading states implementing the policy and that its provisions are being implemented on a broad scale.
IIFT Vice-Chancellor Recalls Barkatullah University Association
Professor K. Rangarajan, Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), paid tribute to Barkatullah University and recalled that he is an alumnus of the institution.
Speaking at the convocation, he said he felt proud to participate in the ceremony. He also said that students do not necessarily need to travel abroad to access global opportunities, as India itself now offers a wide range of opportunities.
He further noted India's efforts to pursue free trade agreements with developed countries around the world.
85 Research Scholars to Receive PhD Degrees
Additional Chief Secretary and Vice-Chancellor of Barkatullah University Anupam Rajan informed the gathering that 85 research scholars would be awarded PhD degrees during the convocation.
He also stated that 27 students would receive gold medals for their academic achievements.
The graduating students were administered the convocation oath during the ceremony.
Key Facts
- University: Barkatullah University, Bhopal
- Convocation: September 18, 2026
- Venue: Kushabhau Thackeray International Convention Centre, Bhopal
- Governor: Mangubhai Patel
- PhD degrees: 85 research scholars
- Gold medals: 27 students
- Convocation theme: ‘Initiative to Build Viksit Bharat through Green Energy’
- Campaign mentioned: ‘Jan Seva Sankalp’, September 17 to October 17
- Key focus areas: Youth development, green energy, environmental protection, innovation, social service and higher education
FAQs
When was the Barkatullah University Convocation 2026 held?
The convocation ceremony of Barkatullah University, Bhopal, was held on September 18, 2026.
Who addressed the Barkatullah University convocation?
Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel addressed the graduating students at the convocation.
What did Governor Mangubhai Patel say about youth?
He urged youth to use their education, talent and energy not only for personal success but also for society, environmental protection and national development.
What was the theme of the Barkatullah University convocation?
The theme was ‘Initiative to Build Viksit Bharat through Green Energy’.
How many PhD degrees were to be awarded?
According to the university's information shared for the ceremony, 85 research scholars were to receive PhD degrees.
How many gold medals were to be awarded?
A total of 27 students were to receive gold medals.
What did the Governor say about environmental protection?
Governor Patel emphasised tree plantation, water conservation, renewable energy and sustainable lifestyles alongside development.
What did Madhya Pradesh's Higher Education Minister say about girls' enrolment?
Minister Inder Singh Parmar said that girls' enrolment in higher education in Madhya Pradesh had exceeded boys' enrolment this year.
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