Jan 26: Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate (HSNC) University, Mumbai, organised its 4th Convocation Ceremony in the presence of a large gathering of students, parents, faculty, staff and distinguished guests. The ceremony witnessed the conferment of the Honorary Doctorate of Literature (Hon. D.Litt.) upon Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, in recognition of his exemplary contribution to nation-building, public service and transformative infrastructure development. The ceremony was graced by Mr. Anil Harish, Provost, HSNC University; Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, President, H(S)NC Board and Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice-Chancellor, HSNC University, Mumbai, among other dignitaries. A total of 4009 students graduated in the fourth convocation, including 3481 undergraduates and 528 postgraduates, with 42 receiving gold medals for outstanding academic performance.
Citing a Sanskrit shloka, Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla noted that knowledge must inspire humility, responsibility and service. She spoke about HSNC University’s swift progress since its establishment in 2020, rooted in the Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board’s enduring seven-decade legacy and its focus on value-driven, multi-disciplinary future-ready education.
Dr. Baglahighlighted the University’s holistic student initiatives, including the Fit Bharat Club team, which just completed the Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir (K2K) climate change cycling expedition; NSS’s Jeevan Vahini (blood donor directory); cleanathons, tree-plantation campaigns and other community outreach activities. The University’s dedication to nurturing excellence was further reflected in the achievements of NCC cadets, outstanding performances in sports and inclusive initiatives such as the Skill Shakti InclusiveED certification programme for specially-abled students.
Expressing gratitude to Shri Nitin Gadkariji for accepting the Hon. D.Litt., she praised his visionary leadership and affirmed that education must translate into impact, integrity and service, urging graduates to carry their learning with humility and purpose as ambassadors of HSNC University.
In his special address, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, President, HSNC Board; Former Provost, HSNC University, praised Gadkariji for his visionary and execution-driven leadership, which has transformed and harnessed India’s infrastructure for economic growth. He highlighted Gadkariji’s remarkable contributions, from the rapid expansion of national highways and expressways to path-breaking initiatives in road safety and logistics efficiency that have strengthened supply-chains and generated millions of employment opportunities across engineering, construction and allied sectors.
Dr. Hiranandani also underscored Gadkariji’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible growth, citing his promotion of alternative fuels, bio-energy, electric mobility, waste-to-wealth solutions and the innovative use of industrial by-products and plastic waste in road construction, as well as large-scale plantation drives and green corridors. He noted that such leadership exemplifies the power of translating knowledge and vision into tangible outcomes with integrity, accountability and societal impact. Dr. Hiranandani encouraged the graduating stundents to emulate these values, think boldly, act ethically and contribute meaningfully to the nation.
Mr. Anil Harish, Provost, HSNC University, lauded Shri Gadkariji, fondly called “Expressway Man” for his transformative contributions to India’s infrastructure, particularly highlighting the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and the over 60% increase in national highway construction under his leadership. Quoting Jonathan Swift, he noted that “Vision is the art of seeing the invisible,” emphasising Shri Gadkariji’s rare ability to translate intention into execution, turning ambitious ideas into tangible results through technological advancements, financial innovation and sustainability focus. Mr. Harish also reflected on the essence of public service, stating that holding public office is a trust, where responsibility, integrity and measurable impact must guide every decision. He held Gadkariji’s leadership as an enduring example for students, demonstrating how vision, commitment and disciplined action can shape a nation. Mr. Harish congratulated the graduating students, reminding them that while their journey may bring many peaks and occasional valleys, their knowledge, experience and strength of character will help them navigate challenges and rise higher.
Shri Nitin Gadkari delivered a candid and inspiring convocation address, laced with his characteristic humour. He thanked HSNC University for conferring the Honorary Doctorate of Literature, noting with humility that it was his 15th such honour and that despite so many doctorates, he still chooses not to use the title “Dr” before his name. He recounted how he had been unable to pursue engineering after scoring 49.26 % in science, falling short of the required cut-off for engineering entrance exams, a reminder that success can follow diverse paths beyond formal qualifications. Despite these setbacks, he shared how his achievements today stand in stark contrast to his modest beginnings. He went on to complete M.Com. & LL.B. from Nagpur University.
He especially expressed his delight at following in Padma Vibhashan Shri Ratan Tata’s footsteps, the first recipient of HSNC University’s Hon. D.Litt., describing him as a humble, down-to-earth man with grounded values. He recalled Mr. Tata’s simplicity, sharing an anecdote of how he once drove himself to visit Gadkariji’s home.
He highlighted his long-standing engagement with education, particularly over the past 27 years and his efforts to provide learning opportunities for children in the Naxalite-belt of Maharashtra for Adivasi kids, underscoring his commitment to inclusive and transformative education. The Union minister stressed the importance of aiming high and advocated for quality education and skill development courses for tribal children.
He narrated his transformative journey in transport infrastructure, which began in 1995 as PWD Minister of Maharashtra. Driven by passion rather than prior expertise, he spearheaded landmark projects including the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, 55 flyovers in Mumbai, the Bandra–Worli Sea Link and a Rs700 crore rural connectivity project linking 13,736 remote villages. Reflecting on his unconventional path, he remarked, “I am not an engineer… Roads are now my passion,” emphasising his belief that transport infrastructure is a powerful enabler of socio-economic growth and public service. He outlined India’s push towards cutting-edge transport solutions, noting projects such as the four-tier flyover in Nagpur that integrates a Metro line at the top, a vehicular flyover, a railway track and a road at the base, an engineering marvel that exemplifies efficient, future-ready connectivity. He reflected with candour that in his early years, he did not think 100 years ahead, underscoring the importance of long-term vision in nation-building.
He urged graduating students to embrace innovation, sustainability and practical solutions, highlighting initiatives such as green hydrogen, E20 ethanol and waste-to-road technologies, while underscoring the role of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles like the Toyota Mirai in building a cleaner, future-ready transportation ecosystem and advancing a “Viksit Bharat.”
He encouraged them to be drivers of change by taking risks, innovating and actively contributing to India’s economic growth, while stressing that true success is guided by strong ethical values, self-reliance and technological proficiency. Emphasising inclusivity, he reminded students that opportunities and achievements should transcend caste, creed and gender and called upon them to use education as a tool to address societal challenges and build a better future.
“One can donate an eye, but not vision,” he remarked, signalling that while tangible help can be given, the ability to think long-term and plan for a sustainable, future-ready India must be cultivated individually.
Stressing the power of education in nation-building, he encouraged graduates to contribute meaningfully to society while upholding integrity, excellence and social responsibility. He urged the graduating students to cultivate humility, modesty, grace and simplicity in their lives, emphasising that these values are the true markers of effective leadership and purposeful living. He also explained the importance of road safety, urging everyone, especially the youth, to be responsible on the roads and make safety a non-negotiable priority.
Acknowledging his flaws, Gadkariji emphasised the importance of self-improvement. “No one is perfect. I also have flaws. Everyone is a mix of virtues and flaws. The important thing is to enhance one’s virtues and minimise flaws,” he said.
The proceedings concluded with a formal vote of thanks and the National Anthem, bringing an evening of celebration and inspiration to a close.