Ashoka University Convocation 2020 and 2021

Ashoka University hosted the joint Convocation Ceremony for the classes of 2020 and 2021. The graduation ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the academic and non-academic achievements of the students who completed Undergraduate Studies, Ashoka Scholars Programme (ASP), and the Master of Arts programme in Economics and English. 

 The University conferred degrees to 1,125 students at the virtual ceremony. The degrees were conferred by Professor Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor of Ashoka University. The graduating students were also addressed by Professor Malabika Sarkar, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University.  

Nobel Laureate Dr. Eric Maskin, Adams University Professor and Professor of Economics and Mathematics at Harvard delivered the Keynote Address. In his address he said,

 “It is a notable accomplishment, even at the best of times, to graduate from university. But to work, study, and complete all the requirements of a degree amidst a worldwide pandemic—-a pandemic that continues to take a terrible toll on your country—is truly an extraordinary accomplishment, and I offer the classes of 2020 and 2021 my deepest congratulations and admiration. You should be very proud of what you have done.”

Chancellor Rudrangshu Mukherjee congratulated the graduating students and said, “A convocation is always an occasion for joy. In spite of the travails that we are all enduring, the students would have experienced the benefits of Ashoka’s liberal education. One important lesson a liberal education imparts is to think about a better future and to imbibe hope in our lives. This lesson is particularly important for this graduating batch since the pandemic has taught us the power of hope and the power of compassion. 

“To the graduating students: the knowledge that you have acquired in Ashoka University use it with sympathy and intelligence. Never stop learning from the University of Life.” 

 Speaking at the Convocation, Vice-Chancellor Malabika Sarkar said, “I have every confidence that the values that the graduating students have imbibed, the intellectual curiosity that has now become their second nature, and the many areas of knowledge that the students have discovered will equip them to lead fulfilling lives. 

 “Congratulations to our graduating students. The experience of graduation is as much a journey into a world of immense possibilities as the comfort of knowing that you now have an alma mater. I wish you joy, fulfilment, and success and hope that you touch and transform the lives of many others.”  

In the batch that graduated in 2020, out of 546 students, 369 students received their bachelor’s degree, 22 students received their master’s degree, and 155 students received their ASP Diploma.  

In the batch that graduated in 2021, out of 579 students, 353 students received their bachelor’s degree, 33 students received their master’s degree, and 193 students received their ASP Diploma.

  The University also conferred Academic Awards to some students for their excellent performances from both the classes of 2020 and 2021. In the class of 2020, 55 students have been conferred academic awards while in the class of 2021, 49 students have received the awards. 

 Congratulations to everyone who graduated this year.  

You can watch the ceremony below.