Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday urged the alumni of Utkal University to take a more active role in the institution’s development by mentoring students, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, facilitating employment opportunities and fostering stronger industry-academia ties.
Addressing the sixth annual festival of the Alumni Association at the Utkal University campus as the chief guest, the Governor said the real strength of an educational institution lies not merely in its infrastructure or academic accomplishments, but in the lives it transforms and the values it passes on to future generations.
Describing Utkal University as a symbol of Odisha’s intellectual heritage, Kambhampati said the institution has contributed to society by nurturing generations of students through education, research and social service. The achievements of its alumni across Odisha, the country and abroad, he said, reflected the university’s rich legacy.
Calling alumni the university’s “living ambassadors”, the Governor said their professional experience, expertise and networks could be leveraged to provide mentoring, career guidance, employment opportunities and support for entrepreneurship and academic collaboration.
He appreciated the Alumni Association for its initiatives, including the ‘Meet the Alumni’ programme, student placement and mentoring activities, assistance for competitive examinations, and campus cleanliness and tree plantation drives.
The Governor said skill development, employability, innovation and entrepreneurship would be crucial as Odisha moves towards the goal of a ‘Developed Odisha’ and India advances towards a ‘Developed India’. He also stressed the need to promote sustainable practices, including renewable energy, environmental conservation and efforts towards building a drug-free society.
Advising students to make full use of available opportunities, Kambhampati encouraged them to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills, remain receptive to new ideas and learn from teachers, seniors and accomplished alumni.
At the event, former MP and noted film personality Dr. Prashant Nanda, Padma Shri Kumkum Mohanty, Professor Dr. Umacharan Mohanty and former Comptroller and Auditor General of India and former Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Dr. Girish Chandra Murmu were felicitated for their contributions to cinema and culture, arts, scientific research and public service.
The Governor also launched the new website of the Alumni Association, describing it as an important platform for connecting alumni from different generations across the world. He said the website would facilitate knowledge sharing and mentoring while strengthening alumni ties with the university.
Former MP Dr. Prashant Nanda, Dr. Girish Chandra Murmu, Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Professor Chandi Prasad Nanda and Alumni Association General Secretary Debendra Prasad Das also addressed the gathering.
Alumni Association president and retired IPS officer Dr. Satyajit Mohanty delivered the welcome address, while Joint Secretary Professor B.K. Dash proposed the vote of thanks.
