In a significant academic event that blended celebration with a call for ethical leadership, Al-Karim University in Katihar held its fourth convocation ceremony on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The event was graced by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan as the chief guest, alongside a host of state ministers and national educational figures, underscoring the institution’s growing prominence in the region.
The ceremony saw 415 students from diverse fields, including MBBS, MS, Pharmacy, and Hospital Management, receive their degrees. Fifteen top-performing scholars were awarded gold medals by Governor Khan.
In a notable gesture, the university conferred honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees upon Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey, Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, and Maulana Mohammad Sarhul Hoda, Chairman of the Urdu Media Forum, in recognition of their exemplary public service.
A Focus on Foundational Values and Service
Presiding over the ceremony, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan commended the university’s achievements while imparting crucial advice to the new graduates. He emphasised the enduring importance of moral, fundamental, and religious values in both personal and professional life.
In his address, which resonated with his known advocacy for integrity in academia, the Governor urged students to adhere to humanitarian principles and draw inspiration from their parents and teachers. He motivated them to channel their education toward the service of humanity and nation-building, a theme consistent with his recent addresses at other academic forums.
Recognition of Institutional Vision and Growth
Health Minister Mangal Pandey, one of the honorary degree recipients, praised the institution’s trajectory. In his remarks, he lauded the hard work and far-sighted vision of Chancellor Ahmed Ashfaq Karim, acknowledging the university’s critical role in advancing education, particularly in the medical and health sciences sectors within Bihar.
The convocation also featured an annual report presented by Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Syed Moied Ahmed, a distinguished academic with over three decades of teaching and clinical experience. The report detailed the accomplishments of the university and its constituent institutions, highlighting its contribution to building a skilled professional workforce.
Empowerment Through Constitutional Rights
A key dignitary present was Prof. (Dr.) Shahid Akhtar, Officiating Chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), Government of India. His presence highlighted the convocation’s context within India’s framework for minority education. While a direct quote from his convocation speech is not provided in the press release, Prof. Akhtar is a staunch advocate for the rights enshrined in Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions.
In his public addresses, he consistently emphasises that safeguarding these rights fosters inclusivity and empowerment through education. His directives often focus on practical steps to strengthen minority institutions, such as filling vacant teaching positions and aligning with national educational reforms to ensure holistic student development. His participation in the convocation signified a reinforcement of these principles at Al-Karim University.
The event commenced with Governor Khan inaugurating a newly constructed modular operation theatre at the Katihar Medical College, further cementing the day’s focus on advancing healthcare infrastructure.
Led by Registrar Wazeen Uddin Ansari and presided over by Visitor Prof. Talat Ahmed, the ceremony stood as a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence grounded in community values and national service.
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