Modi will be second PM at BHU convocation in a decade
Before Modi, Manmohan Singh had attended the BHU convocation in 2008
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the second premier to deliver the convocation address at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in the last decade.
Before Modi, his predecessor Manmohan Singh had attended the 90th convocation of the university as the chief guest in 2008.
The then President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had delivered the convocation address at the BHU in 2006. The then vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat attended the same event in 2007.
“Convocation is a very important event for the university. Noted persons are invited to enrich the knowledge of students. In 2009, Pratibha Patil, the then president, graced the convocation. The next year saw vice-president Hamid Ansari deliver the convocation address. Kapil Sibal attended the BHU’s 93rd convocation as the union human resource development minister.”
Prof Dwivedi said the then Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar was invited in 2012. President Pranab Mukherjee was present at a special convocation event in 2013. Besides presidents and premiers, scientists have also graced the mega event.
Noted astronomer Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar addressed the convocation in 2015.Vicechancellor Girish Chandra Tripathi said, “It is a matter of great pride to have Prime Minister Narendra Modi as chief guest. We are keen to hear the PM Modi since we hope his speech will inspire the students.”
Besides teachers, students say they will be happy to see Modi and union human resource development minister Smriti Irani at the convocation. In all, 34 students will get medals on the dais. Apart from this, 406 students will be awarded medals and prizes for securing highest marks in the examinations. ALL SET FOR NAMO’S VISIT TO RAVIDAS TEMPLE
VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the Ravidas temple to take part in the birth anniversary celebrations of 15th century Dalit icon, besides attending the convocation ceremony at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on the second day of his visit to his Lok Sabha constituency on Monday.
According to the revised protocol, the PM would arrive at the Shri Guru Ravidas Janmasthan Mandir (Ravidas temple), Seer Goverdhanpur, at 10.30am.
Union minister of social justice and empowerment Thawarchand Gahlot and his deputy Vijay Sampla would accompany the PM to the temple where he would spend 15 minutes and offer prayers.
Later, he would attend the BHU convocation from 11am onwards. Union HRD minister Smriti Irani would remain present with the prime minister at the convocation.