BRIEF DESCRIPTION/REPORT WITH GEO-TAGGED PHOTOGRAPH OR SCREEN SHOTS:
Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) organized Founder’s Day Program on 30th April 2024. This day carries profound significance as we celebrated the 126th Birth Anniversary of the great visionary and philanthropist, Dr. TMA Pai who is a recipient of the Padma Shri. On this day we pay tribute to his remarkable life and his contributions towards education in India. His vision and leadership laid the foundation for the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), which has over the years emerged as one of the leading universities in the country. Through his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Dr. TMA Pai, has not only transformed lives but has also shaped the landscape of higher education in our nation. His legacy serves as an example of excellence, guiding us towards the pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and social responsibility. It is only befitting that on this auspicious occasion of Founders Day we commemorate his legacy and honour his memory.
The program saw the presence of the following esteemed dignitaries gracing the occasion.
- Respected Chief Guest: Air Vice Marshal Dr. Dilip Chandra Agarwal, VSM, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor SMU.
- Madam Alka Agarwal
- Guest of Honour: Registrar, Sikkim Manipal University, Prof. Dr. Karma Sonam Sherpa.
- Guest of Honour: Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education, Prof. (Dr.) Sourav Dhar.
- Guest of Honour: Director, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Prof. (Dr.) GL Sharma.
- Guest of Honour: Associate Director, Research and Development, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT), Prof. (Dr.) Chandrashekhar Bhuiyan.
- Guest of Honour: Associate Director, Academics, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT), Prof. (Dr.) Sangeeta Jha.
- Faculties and Staff of CDOE, SMU.
Events
- Director, CDOE, SMU, Prof (Dr.) Sourav Dhar, welcomes Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SMU, Air Vice Marshall, Dr. Dilip Chandra Agarwal, VSM and Registrar, SMU, Prof. (Dr.) Karma Sonam Sherpa by offering traditional ceremonial scarf (khada).
- Deputy Director, CDOE, Dr. Kushal Pokhrel, welcomes Director, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, (Prof.) Dr. GL Sharma and other dignitaries by offering traditional ceremonial scarf (khada)
- A solemn and heartfelt tribute was paid to the visionary founder, Dr. TMA Pai, through a Diya lighting ceremony and floral tribute led by all dignitaries presents.
- The cake-cutting ceremony, a highlight of the event, conducted by dignitaries and special guests in attendance.
- Director, CDOE, SMU, Prof (Dr.) Sourav Dhar, delivered a compelling address that underscored the significance of the Founder’s Day and highlighted the remarkable achievements of the CDOE. His speech served as a poignant reflection on the CDOE journey, and its enduring commitment to excellence.
- Respected Chief Guest Air Vice Marshal Dr. Dilip Chandra Agarwal, VSM, Vice Chancellor SMU addressed the gathering with his presence, and kind words which have always been a guiding light to our CDOE team.
- The program was then paused for a brief tea break followed by a cultural program filled with fanfare and joy with back-to-back enthralling dance, song and musical performances forged with the talented faculties and staffs of CDOE, SMU.
- Deputy Director, CDOE, Dr. Kushal Pokhrel, delivered an inspiring address. His insightful words resonated deeply with attendees, reflecting on the institution's rich legacy and its enduring commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
- Assistant Director, CDOE, Dr. Ishwer Shivakoti delivered an impactful speech that deeply resonated with the audience. His words reflected on the institution's origins, its journey of resilience, and its significant contributions to society.
- Founder’s Day celebration ended with the vote of thanks proposed by the coordinator Mr. Ajay Prasad, followed by the lunch and group photo.
