Cuttack, Dec 12: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Saturday attended the Convocation ceremony of the DRIEMS University in Tangi, Cuttack.

Heaping praise on the University, Pradhan, who graced his presence as the chief guest, said that it should be the workshop for building a new Odisha.

"It would not be an exaggeration to call this university a rural university. DRIEMS is a shining example of Odia Asmita and nationalism," said the Union Education Minister, adding: "Let the Dreams University be the workshop for building a new Odisha."

The Union Minister has called upon all the students to practice the Odia language more. It was the first convocation ceremony of DRIEMS and Pradhan awarded degrees to the students on this occasion.

Along with this, Dharmendra Pradhan took blessing of eminent Gandhian and social activist Krishna Mohanty by touching her feet while presenting her the 'Honorary Doctorate' degree (Honoris Causa) for her lifetime achievement. Mohanty is a daughter of a family of prominent freedom fighters.

As many as 500 students were awarded degree certificates while 10 toppers were awarded gold medals at the convocation ceremony.

Besides the Union Education Minister, also present at the ceremony were Dr. Pramod Chandra Rath, Founder Chairman, DRIEMS University; Durga Prasad Rath, Vice Chairman; Prof. Prakash Kumar Hota, Vice Chancellor and Dr. Bhakta Charan Pradhan, Registrar, among other dignitaries.

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