HSNC University, Mumbai celebrated its 3rd convocation ceremony recently with great elan and grandeur. The ceremony was presided by Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri C.P. Radhakrishnanji, who is also the Chancellor of HSNC University. Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University; Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University; Mr. Anil Harish, President & Trustee, HSNC Board and Dr. Kishu Mansukhani, immediate past president & trustee, HSNC Board also graced the event. During the ceremony, Hon’ble Governor Radhakrishnanji conferred gold medals to 37 outstanding students. He also presented a special citation to Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, acknowledging his outstanding contributions as his tenure as the Provost comes to an end. The citation, signed by Vice Chancellor Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, celebrated Dr. Hiranandani’s exemplary leadership and vision for HSNC University.
In his powerful and motivating speech, Hon’ble Governor Shri Radhakrishnanji, urged graduates to cultivate a spirit for lifelong learning, remain resilient in the face of challenges and contribute meaningfully to society by applying their knowledge and skills for the greater good.
Niranjan Hiranandani being felicitated and honoured with a citation during the 3rd Convocation of HSNC University |
“This moment celebrates years of dedication, resilience and intellectual growth.. all the years of education journey is coming to your fruitful victory today. Graduation is not just the conclusion of one chapter, it is the beginning of a lifelong pursuance of knowledge. Education is a continuous process,” Shri Radhakrishnanji said. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”. Keep abreast of latest industry trends, new technologies and knowledge, he advised the graduates.
From L: Dr. Kishu Mansukhani, immediate past president & Trustee HSNC Board; Dr. Bhagwan Balani, Registrar, HSNC University; Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University; Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri CP Radahkrishnann ji; Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University and Mr. Anil Harish, President & Trustee, HSNC Board during the 3rd Convocation of HSNC University |
Life is unfair but never give up
No matter how many times we have fallen, what is important is how we react to each fall. He drove home this point through a story from the Mahabharata. At one point, during a conversation with Krishna, Karna reflects on the unfairness of his life, recounting how he was abandoned by his mother at birth, denied training by the greatest teacher because he was not a Kshatriya, cursed by Parshurama that he would forget everything, humiliated at Draupadi's Swayamvar. He says “Life has been unfair to me. I was abandoned, humiliated and never given my due. I fought all my battles alone.” Krishna, though sympathetic, reminded Karna that life’s unfairness was part of his journey. Krishna replied “Karna, I was born in a jail. Death was waiting for me even before my birth. The night I was born I was separated from my birth parents. I joined gurukula of Rishi Sandipani only at the age of 16! Everybody has challenges in life”.
Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri CP Radhakrishnan awarding gold medal to a student at the 3rd Convocation of HSNC University, Mumbai |
Life often presents unfair experiences and while we may not understand them, we have a choice to either complain or learn from them. We may often question why is life unfair to us? But remember that everybody is going though it in the same way. Nobody has a perfect life. The greatness of how we live is not in having no challenges, but in the way we respond to the challenges that come our way.
Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla presenting a copy of the annual report of HSNC University for 2024 to Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri CP Radhakrishnanji |
Shri Radhakrishnanji also stressed on the importance of rest, self-care and maintaining mental, emotional and physical well-being. He encouraged them to acknowledge the value of pausing when needed, especially during stressful or overwhelming times. “Taking a break is not a sin but never give up. Just have patience,” he said.
Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla during her address at the 3rd Convocation of HSNC University |
Set your own goals and work at your own pace
He advised them to focus on their own journey and growth, as everyone has unique paths, experiences and timelines. He emphasised avoiding comparisons with others and celebrating one’s own achievements no matter how small. He explained that growth is individual hence progress should be measured by how far one has come, not by comparing oneself with others' journeys. Additionally, he stressed the importance of being gentle in critiques, obeying superiors, and not opposing ideas immediately.
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani speaking at the 3rd convocation of HSNC University |
Success and defeat, he reflected, are integral parts of life. Success may be delayed but will never be denied. If not today, some day you will be successful. Citing his own example, he candidly shared his personal journey and quipped with a touch of humour, "They read my profile before my address, but there's something they missed mentioning".He revealed that he had lost three general elections from Coimbatore—in 2004, 2014 and 2019. Despite these setbacks, he highlighted how, in just the past 20 months, his journey had taken a remarkable turn. He had been appointed as a Governor "pan-India”, serving first as Governor of Jharkhand (first), then got additional charge of Telangana; then Lietenant Governor of Puducherry and now as Governor of Maharashtra. His story, he emphasised, was a testament to perseverance, showing that failure can pave the way to greater achievements.
Mr. Anil Harish, President & Trustee, HSNC Board at the 3rd Convocation of HSNC University |
In her elevating speech, Vice Chancellor Col. Dr. Hemlata K.Bagla, who is also a noted authority on nuclear radiochemistry, presented the annual report of the University, reflecting on the significant achievements of the past year and also outlining the University’s plans for the near future. She highlighted the University's growth in academic programs, research and student development. She also emphasised the University’s commitment to holistic education, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. She acknowledged the hard and dedication of the faculty, staff and students and expressed pride in the University’s progress. “We currently have over 12,390 students enrolled with us. By Academic Year 2026-27, we plan to reach a projected size of over 15000 students, ” she said while explaining the infrastructure and capacity building highlights.
Dignitaries and audience at the 3rd Convocation of HSNC University, Mumbai |
“The successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at HSNC University marks a transformative shift in our academic approach. By embracing holistic education, multi-disciplinary learning and skill development, we have redefined higher education.At HSNC University, we have enabled multiple entry and exit with the necessary and minimum credits so as to ease the process for the students,” Dr. Bagla noted.
While explaining that the University remains committed to skill development and life long learning, Dr. Bagla announced that HSNC University will soon be starting two more Schools -School of Technology and School of Nuclear Sciences.
In 2024, a 14-member ‘Fit Bharat Club’ team of HSNC University had completed the 430 km cycling expedition from Mumbai to the ‘Statue of Unity’. In a similar feat, another team from the University is all set to cycle from Mumbai to Delhi on 18th January 2025, to promote fitness, teamwork and to celebrate the spirit of Bharat, Dr. Bagla divulged.
She concluded her speech by invoking the spirit of "Vasudeva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) urging everyone to foster compassion and work together to build a future that reflects the spirit of global unity and mutual respect.
In his thought-provoking address, Provost Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani asserted “Our mission is not only to educate but to empower - to build a community that thrives on curiousity, collaboration ad compassion”.
Recalling vividly the story of how HSNC University was formed, Dr. Hiranandani reflected “This ambitious jouney which began as a shared dream and has now blossomed into a shining reality - the unification of 3 eminent colleges into HSNC University was not merely a structural change but was a vision which realised the relentless support of the government, HSNC Board, RUSA and the Governors.”
He disclosed that the journey was not without challenges “We started right in the middle of the pandemic with great uncertainty and hesitation. A question lingered. Should we wait? Should we hold back? But the courage and clarity of our leadership guided us forward. As one of the members of the team said -If we succeed it will be a testament to the faith and trust of our stakeholders. If we have setbacks, the pandemic will be a challenge and not an excuse. Either way, we must begin and so we took the bold step and the results have surpassed our greatest expectations. From that decisive moment, the University has grown leaps and bounds. At the heart of the University, lies inclusivity, affordability and excellence and we are driven by a singular mission - to serve every aspiring student.” He proudly shared that the University’s gross enrollment ratio has moved in line with the national goals. Touting the University’s students as innovators, entrepreneurs, problem solvers and change makers, Dr. Hiranandani concluded on the promise that the best is yet to come.
Mr. Anil Harish eloquently highlighted that the convocation is a reflection of HSNC University's remarkable growth, now recognized for its leadership in various activities. He credited the Provost, Vice Chancellor, staff, and the diverse talent, ideas, and innovative spirit of the students for this success. In an inspring message to students, Mr. Harish said “What matters is not the route you take but the knowledge and courage with which you tread it.”
He congratulated the graduates and encouraging said “The world doesn't need you to be perfect but it needs you to be curious, creative and resilient. There will be setbacks , moments when life tests your mettle but remember when something shakes you but doesn't break you then it makes you.Move through life with confidence—you won’t just survive, but thrive. Dream audaciously, create your own future and make this world a better place. The world is eager to witness your brilliance.”
The convocation took place at the Hiro Sitaldas Punwani Convocation Hall, Worli campus of HSNC University.
A traffic island (at the junction near the University’s Worli campus) which was adopted by HSNC University, beautified with a lawn, newly planted trees and a water fountain also inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor on the occasion.
