Bhubaneswar: International Court of Justice (ICJ) president Yuji Iwasawa, who was presented the ‘KISS Humanitarian Award’ here on Saturday, encouraged graduates at the 6th Annual Convocation of KISS Deemed to be University (KISS-DU) to pursue their goal with confidence.
Addressing 40,000 students of KISS, chief guest Iwasawa congratulated the graduates and urged them to remain curious, contribute to communities and embrace uncertainty in life.
“Don’t be afraid uncertainty, go ahead with confidence to attain your goal,” he said, emphasising that education does not end with graduation but marks the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.
Judge Iwasawa, who received the prestigious award from KIIT, KISS and KIMS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta, was also among six distinguished personalities to be conferred Honoris Causa degrees for their outstanding contributions to society, education, justice and public service.
Besides Judge Iwasawa, the honorary degrees were conferred Judge Bogdan-Lucian Aurescu and Judge Leonardo Nemer Caldeira Brant of the ICJ; Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of National Commission for Women; Dr Anuradha Sharma (Mataji), Chairperson of Pt. Ram Narayan Sharma Educational Trust and RNS World School, Uttar Pradesh; and Surendra Nath Panda, Founder and Chairman of JayBharat Foundation and Bharat Masala, Cuttack.
Judge Aurescu said that teaching is one of the noblest forms of public service, and urged students to remain passionate about their profession.
He also advised them not to neglect their responsibilities towards their families, communities and country.
In his acceptance speech, Judge Brant said, “This honour is truly exceptional for me and will remain a cherished memory throughout my life. I have never witnessed such a wonderful gathering anywhere in the world. The success story of KISS is truly remarkable,” he said.
Addressing the degree recipients, Mataji urged students to follow the ideals and philosophy of Dr Samanta. “This would be the best way to give back to your institution,” she said.
Quoting the great Odia saint-poet Bhima Bhoi, “Let my own life suffer, if only the world may be relieved of its suffering,” Rahatkar said the same spirit of selflessness and compassion was reflected in KISS.
A total of 469 students, including PhD scholars, were awarded degrees at the convocation.
Enketeswar Kandagari, the university’s best graduating student, received the Founder’s Gold Medal.
Seven students who secured the highest CGPA in their respective disciplines were conferred the Chancellor’s Gold Medals, while another seven students with the second-highest CGPA in their respective disciplines received the Vice-Chancellor’s Silver Medals.