02.09.2026: ‘Deekshant is not Shikshant’: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma

‘Deekshant is not Shikshant’: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma
Calls upon HSNC University graduates to become compassionate citizens and responsible leaders

Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor of state universities Jishnu Dev Varma presided over the 5th Convocation of the HSNC University at the University’s Auditorium at Worli Mumbai on Wed (2 Sept). The Governor awarded Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees and presented Gold Medals to 45 graduating students.

Congratulating the graduating students, the Governor called upon them to view their convocation not as the end of education, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and service.“Deekshant is not Shikshant,” he said.

The Governor said that while a country needs good doctors, engineers and professionals, it needs good citizens and good leaders even more. “Anyone who touches the life of another person is a leader,” he said.
The Governor congratulated the university leadership, faculty and students on the institution’s rapid growth and urged the graduating students to carry with them not only their degrees, but also the values of empathy, compassion, leadership and social responsibility as they embark on their professional journeys

Emphasising the importance of learning beyond the classroom, Dev Varma said that academic knowledge is important, but the lessons learnt outside the classroom are often more important. Students learn teamwork, compassion and empathy through their interactions with society, he said, adding that these values ultimately help shape responsible leaders.

The Governor described universities as “crucibles of research” and complimented HSNC University for the impressive progress it has made in a relatively short period.

He urged the graduating students to use their knowledge and skills to reach out to weaker sections of society and work towards transforming the lives of the poor and underprivileged.

Observing that the students were graduating at a remarkable moment in history, the Governor said technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and cyber security, along with the challenge of climate change, are rapidly reshaping the world. He said AI without compassion and empathy is meaningless.

President of the HSNC Board Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani informed that HSNC University is developing a world-class university complex at Alibaug, off Mumbai.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bagla said that the university, which began in 2020 with three colleges, has now established eight university schools and brought five more colleges under its umbrella.

Provost Anil Harish said the progress made by the university during the last six years has been “most impressive”. He noted that the university now has around 30,000 students, describing this as a remarkable achievement in such a short period.

Trustee of HSNC Board Maya Shahani, Vice Chancellor of HSNC University Dr Hemlata Bagla, Registrar Bhagwan Balani, Director of Examination and Evaluation Dr Jayesh Joglekar and graduating students were present.