Where Milestones Met Mountains: SMU Hosts Its 1st Convocation for Online Learners

A gentle stir of celebration filled the air while mist draped the emerald hills of Sikkim. As Sikkim celebrated its 50 years of statehood, Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) held a convocation ceremony for its online learners integrated with the university’s 25^th (Silver Jubilee) Convocation for on-campus graduates. What could have been a modest gathering instead felt profound, intimate, and inspiring.

Marking the Beginning of a Historic Convocation

The dignitaries entered the campus with a ceremonial procession accompanied by bagpipes and traditional Sikkimese attire – an elegant reflection of the region’s culture. The ceremony was presided over by the Governor of Sikkim and Chancellor of SMU, Mr. Om Prakash Mathur, with Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chancellor of Homi Bhabha National Institute and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest.

Dr. Sourav Dhar, Director – Centre for Distance & Online Education, SMU welcomed the online learners and guests onto the stage, setting the tone for the day. The Governor then inaugurated the convocation and presented university highlights, key achievements, and graduating-class statistics, followed by the release of the Annual Report. Degrees for online learners were conferred by Mr. Ambrish Sinha, CEO – UNext Learning – a symbolic moment marking the evolution of education in a digital India.

A total of 45 students from 17 states graduated from Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology, Political Science, and English. While 37 graduated in absentia, 8 learners attended physically and walked the stage, representing thousands of online learners empowered through flexible, accessible education.

Voices of the Wise

The event was graced by senior dignitaries including the Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Culture Department – Mr. G T Dhungel, Minister for Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister – Mr. SD Dhakal, Chairman of Manipal Group – Mr. Ranjan Pai, Vice Chancellor SMU – Dr. G K Prabhu, Pro Chancellor – Dr. Ramnarayan,  Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean SMIMS – Dr. Muralidhar V Pai, Mr. Vaitheeswaran, and distinguished faculty members.

The Governor, in his message to the graduates, shared heartfelt encouragement: “I extend my warm greetings to all graduates,” he said, “Sikkim Manipal University has been a beacon of development for the State through education. Carry forward the vision of our Prime Minister to make India a Vishwaguru by 2047. You are the torchbearers of a nation that aspires to become a global superpower.” He concluded with gratitude: “I thank the faculty of SMU for their invaluable contribution to society.”

Chief Guest Dr. Anil Kakodkar delivered an address rooted in wisdom and national responsibility: “It is a privilege to be part of this convocation. My warmest congratulations to each graduating student.” He also noted “Be responsible citizens as you encounter new phases of life. Pursue excellence, identify meaningful issues to address, minimize disparities, and nurture a mindset of creativity and contribution. I also pay tribute to Dr. TMA Pai and Dr. Ramdas Pai, whose vision built the foundation of the Manipal Group’s contributions to education and healthcare in India.”

The ceremony concluded with tradition and dignity as the Governor formally declared the convocation closed.

Learners Speak

A New Beginning and A Newer Recognition

SMU’s first convocation for online learners was not just a ceremony, but a promise. A promise that distance will never dilute achievement, that opportunities will continue to expand, and that every learner, whether studying from Sikkim or Srinagar, belongs to a shared academic family.

Although only a handful of online learners were present physically, the convocation marked an important chapter for SMU’s digital learning ecosystem. It reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing flexible, accessible, and high-quality education to learners across India.