The Mumbai University (MU) held its convocation ceremony for the year 2025 on January 7 at the Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Convocation Hall, located on the university's campus. The event was presided over by CP Radhakrishnan, the Governor and Chancellor of state public universities. According to an official press release, degrees were conferred on a total of 1,64,465 students across various streams, including 401 doctoral graduates and 20 medal recipients for outstanding academic achievements. In his address, Radhakrishnan emphasized the necessity of preparing and publishing academic calendars at the beginning of the year. He advocated for universities to declare examination results by June and organize convocation ceremonies promptly, ensuring that students receive their degrees without unnecessary delays. Radhakrishnan also pointed out the issue of faculty shortages in colleges and university departments, suggesting the use of technology to mitigate these gaps and maintain uninterrupted education for students. Furthermore, he encouraged students to cultivate healthy habits and avoid unhealthy practices. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, served as the chief guest at the event. He underscored the importance of innovation and leadership in driving India toward self-reliance and development. Highlighting key initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he mentioned the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications. Vice-Chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni presented the university's annual report, outlining achievements such as the implementation of dual and joint degree programs under NEP 2020, advancements in research, including the acquisition of 11 patents by faculty members, infrastructure upgrades, and recognition for academic and administrative excellence. Karandikar also discussed government efforts to enhance the research ecosystem. He detailed initiatives like the allocation of a ₹1 lakh crore fund for private-sector research and a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund dedicated to the space economy. This year, MU awarded degrees to 1,64,465 students, comprising 85,511 female and 78,954 male graduates. Of these, 1,39,184 were undergraduate degrees, while 25,281 were postgraduate degrees. The commerce and management faculty saw the highest number of graduates, with 86,601 students, followed by science and technology (47,014), humanities (22,583), and interdisciplinary studies (8,267). The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including state ministers, university faculty, college principals, and other stakeholders.
