The Charter Day of the University was celebrated with usual solemnit on November 25, 1998. The function was attended by alumni, guests, University staff and students. Mr. J.N. Srivastava (Alumnus 1948) was the Chief Guest. Mr. Srivastava who joined the U.P. Irrigation Deptt. upon graduation was involved in a number of important irrigation projects of the country from the initial stages of his career. He later joined the World Bank and carries with him rich experience of advising on major projects the world over during the last several decades. He recounted nostalgically the memories of his days at the Thomason College, which became a University in 1949 and he was amongst the first batch of graduates who obtained the Roorkee University degree. Mr. Srivastava pointed out that in the background to the establishment of this institution is the construction of the Ganga canal in the 1850s, which relates it to water. He then proceeded to present the scenario about this very vital natural resource. He felt that not enough attention has been given in our country to handle this resource and its efficient use. It was indicated that many parts of India are in the ‘water scarce’ condition and the situation continues to worsen with the increase in population. He expressed his disappointment at important projects being stalled because of misplaced environmental concerns, and said that, “We, Engineers, and Scientists, have to raise our voice at every possible forum so that politicians wake up and act to face the water crisis which has already built up”

He further pointed out that during the last 15 years while the population in USA has gone up by 40 million, the consumption of water has been lowered by 10%, citing this as an example of efficient technical intervention. He ended his address with a call to duty. He said, “Ladies and Gentlement The Vice Chancellor read to us this morning and we repeated after him the dedication. Let us endeavour to fulfil the dedication by doing our duty, duty to our country, duty to our profession, and duty to self and family. Often, there would be conflicts in the performance of these duties, when duty to the profession would have to be held supreme. Let me quote an American not too well known outside, who said “Duty is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things, You can not do more. You should never wish to do less

Prize Distribution Function

This is an annual feature amongst the Convocation functions, where prizes and medels are awarded to students with meritorious academic performance. The Chief Guest Er. Mahesh Tandon, Managing Director of Tandon Consultant Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi and an alumnus of BE 1962 batch graced the occasion and gave away the prizes. Prof. N.C. Nigam Vice-Chancellor presided over the function.

The 48th Convocation was held on November 25, 1998. His Excellency Shri Suraj Bhan, Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Chancellor of the University presided over the function. In his address, he reminded the audience regarding Prime Mini ster Sri Atal Behari Vajpayee’s Slogan of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan”, as a commitment to support science and Technology and to develop a scientific temp er amongst people.

The chief guest at the convocation Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Scientific Ad visor to Defence Minister in his convocation address urged the students to dream big as that alone would help them to achieve success as well as strengthen the nation to face further challenges. He congratulated the University for produc ing students who are playing a vital role in the country’s progress. He reiterat ed that the recent Pokhran blasts have signalled India’s resurgent power and we have made our entry into the community of powerful nations.

Dr. R. Chidambaram, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission was honoured by t he conferment of the degree of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, by the Universi ty on this occasion. In his response, he emphasised that the prime need of the hour is a close contact and collaboration between technical universities and the national laboratories to ensure optimum utilisation of scientific and technical talent.

Prof Narendra Kumar Gaur, U.P. Minister for Technical and Higher Education released a souvenir to mark the commencement of the Golden Jubilee celebratio ns of the University. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. N.C. Nigam while highlighting the achievements during the past year, exhorted the staff and students to gear up to face the challenges in their respective fields. He awarded degrees and diplo mas to the successful students.