Graduation Day 2011 was held at Periyar University auditorium. A huge, echo-less, well planned one with a lot of space in the front for a robing room and three rooms at the back for performers, in case of a performance.
Well-lit and large enough to accommodate 1000 people, it excited a tinge of jealousy in us all.
The ceremony was unusally well attended wih around 525 graduands and around 700 guests.
Their P.A. system was fantastic. Wonder when the dream of the alumni to have such an auditorium in the college will come true!
Anna University Coimbatore Vice Chancellor Dr.K.Karunakaran was the Chief Guest and he gave a rousing speech on the need of the hour - employable graduates ready for the technology boom and value driven engineers.
I met a lot of the old students and the moment I saw their faces, there were memories of them in the classrooms, playing mischief, playing truant, standing outside classrooms, sleeping inside, enthusiastically participating in the class, sharing their woes and joys with me, surprising one with their intelligence, aritistic talents and joyful attitudes. And, today, there they were, happily queueing up to receive their degree certificates. I'm sure it was a moment of pride for their parents too.
In fact, when graduands are asked to bow to the audience, they do not take it seriously and walk away. So, today, I gently reminded them to remember their families and parents who were responsible for their education and to bow down to them. There they were, bowing down humbly, I'm sure , in silent acknowledgement of their contribution to what they are today.
I did it at my Ph.D convocation, mentally bowing down to my husband who had been my inspiration through those five long years, and perhaps, that was what prompted me to tell the graduands the same.
The ceremony began at 11.15 sharp and ended at 1.45. I was ravenous and so must have been a lot of others.
2 comments:
Dear Chitra madam,
I had the pleasure of participating in the function. Catchy banners,wonderful decorations,smiling faces,proud parents..what a refreshing and positive atmosphere! This graduation day function is the benchmark for the future functions of this sort..Yes,there was no poor lighting, sound,echo,flimsy chairs,inadequate space..The change of venue is a masterstroke, alike change of Yusuf Pathan by Ruresh raina in our victorious TeamIndia.Numbering the graduands is well thought of. Arranging food for all- thousands in numbers is extraordinary.I could visualize the hectic home work,meticulous planning of the organizing team,given the success the function of this magnitude.
And when you take over the stage,there wont be scarcity for perfection.And this function was not an exception.The sense of affection shown by the old students towards you and their act in literally pulling you on to the stage to take a memorable group photo - A caring teacher surrounded by cared students - were one of the highlights of the function in my list.There was emotional moments for many for reasons of many.My interaction revealed that almost all of them are placed in very good firms.A tribute to the GCE and devoted lectures/Professors like you.The function is indeed a crowning glory to Prof.Kavimani and infact,he proudly acknowledged it when we had lunch together.Regarding bowing,Prof.PGV sitting on stage reminded many graduands by whispering "BOW".But they took it But they took it as POOA (read in Tamil) and started walking briskly!!
probably, this is one area we note down to be rectified in future functions.
Kudos to the GCE team!
jprabhakaran,
Former Alumni President
AEE/TNEB/Salem
Dear Mr.Prabhakaran, I see the overwhelming sense of love you have for your alma mater in this thoughtful and emotional note from you. Prof.PGV deserves all the credit you've given us. He and Prof.Kavimani held several meetings of committees to ensure that everything went off well. Glad that you were there to catch the action! Wasn't it a wonderful feeling? When graduands hold their degree certificates in hand, it is a moment of sheer goosebumps for me.
The arrangements were all executed with perfection only because of the large army of student volunteers headed by faculty members, all of whom enjoyed the day.
Ofcourse, at the end of the day, I'm still feeling a little green becuase Periyar University has such a fantastic hall.
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