Bangalore based Azim Premji University hosted its sixth convocation ceremony on August 25, 2018 with 340 students receiving their degrees.
This year, marks the graduation of the first batch of undergraduate students with B.Sc/B.A. degrees in Physics, Biology, Economics and Humanities. The comprehensive programme with multiple majors and minors, combines fundamental capabilities along with deep disciplinary knowledge. The sixth batch of Masters students graduated with degrees in Education, Development, Public Policy and Governance and Law.
Promoted in 2010 by the Azim Premji Foundation, the university was founded with an explicit social purpose; to develop competent and committed professionals for the social sector who can significantly contribute to ajust, equitable, humane and sustainable society.
In July 2018, the university started offering its integrated dual degree programme, B.Sc.B.Ed with Life Sciences and Physical Sciences options. The Continuing Education programmes in Education and Development domains expanded to the North East States, Telangana and Karnataka covering government functionaries and practitioners from other organisations. The Research programme saw significant progress through the university’s dedicated research centres for ‘Urban Ecological Sustainability’ and ‘Sustainable Employment’. Over 30 new research projects have been initiated this year.
Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Behar, vice chancellor, Azim Premji University said, “We congratulate our students on their graduation, and reiterate our commitment to developing competent and committed professionals for the social sector. We continue to expand our offerings with the launch of the innovative B.Sc. B.Ed. programme that draws in our deep and extensive experience in the field of school education across the country.”
The university is deeply committed to diversity and to offering equal opportunity to students from disadvantaged backgrounds through extensive financial and personal support. It has enrolled over 2200 students from over 25 states since inception and currently has a team of 220 people, comprising faculty, researchers and others.
Promoted as a not-for-profit, private university under the Azim Premji University Act 2010, Azim Premji University plays a critical role in developing new talent, building capacity in existing functionaries and creating domain knowledge in the fields of education and in development.