Nagaland University celebrated its 8th convocation today, 6 March, with the Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan, gracing the ceremony. The event also saw the Governor of Nagaland, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and the Chancellor, Samudra Gupta Kashyap, in attendance, along with faculty, students, and parents.
A total of 6,884 students graduated this year, including 107 PhD scholars, 825 postgraduates, 846 professional program graduates, and 5,106 undergraduates. Fifty-four gold medals were awarded to top performers, highlighting academic excellence across disciplines.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, emphasized the university’s growing research and innovation culture. During the academic year 2025–26, 53 externally funded and 30 internal research projects were undertaken, supported by premier agencies including DBT, DST, ICAR, ICSSR, DRDO, and CSIR. Faculty members published 320 Scopus-indexed and 106 Web of Science-indexed journal articles, 201 books and book chapters, and achieved 39 granted patents out of 96 published, demonstrating a strong pipeline from research to innovation. Four faculty members are listed among the world’s top 2% scientists, reflecting Nagaland University’s global research visibility.
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Student achievements extended beyond academics. Eight graduates secured positions in the Civil Services, 44 entered higher education teaching, and 73% of these successful candidates were women. The university also performed strongly in sports, with its football team qualifying for the All India tournament and one player shortlisted for Churchill Brothers FC, Goa.
Infrastructure expansion continues under HEFA Phases I and II
Infrastructure development was also highlighted. HEFA Phase I saw seven new buildings completed at Rs 73.4 crore, while HEFA Phase II plans 20 more buildings across campuses, worth Rs 239.47 crore. Engineering Projects India Ltd (EPIL), a Mini-Ratna CPSU, has been appointed as the executing agency for the Rs 239.47 crore Phase II expansion.
The Vice President laid the foundation stones for seven new buildings at the Lumami campus. New departments in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Education, and Vocational Studies & Skill Development are under consideration by the Ministry of Education.
Prof Patnaik urged graduates to use their education to serve society, uphold integrity, and contribute to the State of Nagaland, stressing that a university degree is not merely a certificate, but a responsibility.
Vice President of India urges graduates to serve Nation, embrace innovation
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, marking his first visit to the North-East since assuming office graced the event.
“Nagaland is a living canvas where nature, culture, and courage blend in a breath-taking harmony,” Radhakrishnan said, highlighting the State’s rich biodiversity and vibrant culture. He urged students to carry forward the lessons learned at the university, emphasizing the importance of character, integrity, and social responsibility in professional and personal life.
The Vice President encouraged graduates to pursue entrepreneurship, innovation, and global outreach, citing local opportunities in organic products, bamboo innovation, forest-based industries, handloom, handicrafts, and cultural eco-tourism. He also highlighted the importance of using digital platforms constructively while cautioning against excessive social media use and drug abuse.
Quoting the Tamil national poet Bharathiyar, Radhakrishnan reminded students of India’s diversity and unity: “Our strength lies not in our differences, but in our unity.
Every citizen, every region, every language contributes to the singular thought of our great nation.”
He further praised the university’s research and innovation ecosystem, noting its high-impact publications, patents, and fellowship programs. The Vice President highlighted national initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, Make in India, and PM-DevINE, which allocated Rs 1,500 crore for the North-East, and the record Rs 6,800 crore allocation in the 2026–27 Union Budget for the region’s development.
Radhakrishnan also referenced the historic tripartite agreement between the Central Government, Nagaland Government, and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation, signed in February 2026, which he said would have a positive impact on Eastern Nagaland’s development.
“A university’s greatest achievement is not only the knowledge it stores, but also the leaders it creates,” he said, urging graduates to ensure that their success brings pride to their families, honor to the university, and progress to the State of Nagaland.
