BBAU to Host Long-Awaited Convocation Ceremony After Three-Year Hiatus
In a significant development for higher education in Uttar Pradesh, Dr Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) in Lucknow is set to host its convocation ceremony this year, marking the end of an approximately three-year gap since the last such event was held in 2023. The university has formally extended an invitation to Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan to grace the occasion as the chief guest, with preparations underway pending his acceptance.
University Awaits Vice-President's Confirmation for Date Announcement
According to Vice-Chancellor Prof RK Mittal, the university will announce the specific convocation date as soon as Vice-President Radhakrishnan confirms his participation. This ceremony will represent the 11th convocation in BBAU's history, a milestone event expected to confer degrees upon more than 6,000 deserving students from the academic batches of 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The convocation will not only award degrees but also distribute over 250 gold, silver, and bronze medals to outstanding achievers across various disciplines. Prof Mittal emphasized that the university has already published the convocation degree and medal list for eligible candidates, including PhD scholars and students enrolled in certificate, diploma, postgraduate diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated programs, and MPhil courses spanning all three affected years.
Administrative Challenges Delayed Previous Ceremonies
University officials have cited the absence of a permanent vice-chancellor as the primary reason for the convocation ceremony not being held over the past three years. The position became vacant after former VC Prof Sanjay Singh completed his five-year term in 2024. Following this, BBAU professor Prof NMP Verma from the economics department was appointed as the officiating or acting vice-chancellor based on seniority.
After Prof Verma's retirement, Prof SK Dwivedi from the environmental sciences department was designated as the officiating vice-chancellor. It was only in March of last year that Prof RK Mittal was appointed as the permanent vice-chancellor of the university, bringing stability to the leadership and enabling the planning of this long-overdue convocation.
The upcoming event symbolizes a return to academic normalcy and recognition for thousands of students who have awaited formal acknowledgment of their achievements. The university community eagerly anticipates the vice-president's response and the subsequent formalization of convocation arrangements, which will celebrate academic excellence and institutional resilience.
