Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 2: Prof. Goverdhan Mehta, National Research Professor and Bhartia-Jubilant Chair at the University of Hyderabad, was conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by the Kashmir University at its Special Convocation held here this evening.
N. N. Vohra, Governor, who is Chancellor of the Kashmir University, presented a Certificate and Citation and conferred the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) upon Prof. Mehta, an internationally acclaimed researcher in Organic Chemistry, in recognition of his noteworthy contributions in the field of Chemistry.
The Governor, in his address congratulated Prof. Mehta and thanked him for having agreed to accept the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) from the Kashmir University, in recognition of his contribution to the realm of science. He dwelt on the contribution of Prof. Mehta as a planner in the arenas of science and technology within the country and abroad. He recalled that he and Prof. Mehta worked together in the Round Table which had been set up by the Government of India for fostering understandings and collaborations between India and the countries of the European Union.
Highlighting the role of Universities and other institutions of higher education, the Governor observed that they are required not only to undertake high standards of teaching and research but also induce among the students the spirit of free and critical enquiry and examination of various complex issues.
He stated that the youth must be intellectually equipped to understand and appreciate diversity, and possess the confidence to resolve all differences of opinion through dialogue and debate. The institutions of higher learning and the students must develop the capacity to address all contemporary social, economic and political problems to the benefit of the society at large.
Prof. Goverdhan Mehta thanked the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and the Kashmir University for conferring upon him the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa). He said that by making him alumni of the Kashmir University it is his duty to promote the cause of the varsity. He dwelt on the strides made by the Kashmir University in teaching and research, adding that the products of this institution are highly talented, many of whom he had mentored for doctoral and post-doctoral research. He threw light on the areas of his research undertaken and those in the pipeline.
Prof. Mehta has published nearly 500 original research papers in journals of high repute and has presented over 250 lectures at major conferences and various institutions across the globe. He has mentored over a hundred doctoral and post-doctoral students. He is recipient of many national and international awards and honours, including Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in Chemical Sciences; Centenary Medal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK; Humboldt Research Prize of Germany and Medals from the Third World Academy of Sciences and other organizations. Prof. Mehta is a Fellow of Royal Society of London; Foreign Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Fellow of the Third World Academy of Science besides other Science Academies. He had been a President of the Indian National Science Academy. He has also headed Paris-based International Council for Science as its President (2005-2008) and Inter Academy Council as Co-Chair (2000-2005).
Earlier, Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, presented Vice Chancellor’s Report, highlighted the achievements of the University and its future plan of action.
The proceedings of the Special Convocation commenced with Prof. Zafar Ahmad Reshi, Registrar, Kashmir University, seeking permission of the Chancellor and declaring the Special Convocation Open.
Among those present on the occasion were Mohammad Akbar Lone, Minister for Higher Education; Prof. Abdul Wahid, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir; Dr. Tej Partap, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir; Prof. I. A. Hamal, Vice Chancellor, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri; Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad, Secretary, Higher Education; Deans, Heads of Departments, Faculty members, research scholars and students of the University.
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