Shivaji College, University of Delhi celebrated the Closing Ceremony of its Diamond Jubilee Year on August 25, 2021, a culmination of a year-long confluence of events honouring the magnificent journey of 60 years of the college. It was an online event, given the present pandemic conditions. Rajya Sabha T.V. channel and Shivaji College YouTube channel telecast a live transmission of the proceedings.
Honorable Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest. He addressed the students and the faculty members of the college, as well as various guests, present on the occasion. Urging youngsters to work hard to achieve their goals, Shri Naidu said that hard work never goes unrewarded and it will always yield positive results. “So, don’t give up, fight for your dreams and make a difference to the world,” he added. Virtually addressing the concluding ceremony of Diamond Jubilee commemorations of Shivaji College, the Vice President said that students should be allowed to spend equal time in classrooms and recreation grounds. Highlighting the life-changing role teachers play in a student’s life, the Vice President emphasised that no matter how successful one becomes, they should never forget the cardinal role of their teachers in shaping their lives. He said that the values and teachings that the teachers impart help shape the life of an individual and the society at large
Besides Shri Naidu the present officiating Vice Chancellor of Delhi University, Prof. P.C Joshi was Guest of Honor in the function. Other notable guests who graced the occasion were Prof. Suman Kundu (Director, South Campus), Prof. Balaram Pani (Dean of Colleges), Registrar, DU, Dr. Vikas Gupta (Registrar, DU), Shri Ajay Bhatia (Chairman, Governing Body, Shivaji College) and Dr. Shashi Nijhawan, Former Principal, Shivaji College. The eminent guests shared their experiences through the preceding years related to the college and shared snippets and anecdotes of their memories.
The college was established on July 1, 1961 and is now in the landmark historical moment of its Diamond Jubilee. The Concluding Ceremony on August 25, 2021, closed a series of webinars, seminars, online student activities and community outreach programmes through the academic year 2020-21. Faculty members and students shared the platform with the alumni and the retired teachers to bring together a vast plethora of experiences related to the college.
Prof. Shiv Kumar Sahdev, Principal, Shivaji College addressed the gathering with his welcome speech. He discussed how the Covid-19 pandemic has posed one of the biggest challenges in the institution’s history and the way in which the college swiftly and deftly faced the challenge head-on in unity. He highlighted the tremendous progress the college has made from humble beginnings to one of the finest institutions of the University of Delhi. He extended his appreciation for all those who have lent their commitment and devotion to make the college what it is today. He took special note of the selfless services of the NSS and NCC students of the college who stepped forward in times of crisis and helped those in dire need.
Prof. P.C. Joshi, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi congratulated the college and Principal for its dynamic handling of crises and its remarkable achievements over history. He noted the research-driven faculty of the college, the numerous accolades and rankings of the college.
The closing ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee Year was also marked by the release of a souvenir showcasing the college journey over 60 years, with snapshots of memorable events. Along with that, a detailed video displaying the various activities and achievements of the college was presented.
Overall, it was a grand celebration of the success journey of the college over more than half a century.
