TMU Hosted Special Convocation & Youth Meet with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), one of the best private universities in India, recently hosted the Special Convocation and Youth Meet, a significant event in its history when it welcomed the global spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji. The event was filled with spirituality, celebration, and the honour of presenting him with an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree.
This grand occasion became a moment of inspiration for thousands of students, dignitaries and attendees. The moment he arrived, the air was charged with spirituality. His presence was both an honour and a blessing for TMU, marking a day that would remain etched in the memories of everyone present.
Conferment of the Honorary Degree
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji was conferred with the honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree by the Chancellor of TMU, Shri Suresh Jain. This degree symbolises the University’s recognition of Gurudev’s tireless work in promoting global peace, spirituality, and education.
In addition to the DLitt degree, the Chancellor and other university dignitaries offered their tokens of respect. Group Vice Chairman (GVC) Shri Manish Jain presented a ceremonial shawl to Sri Sri, while Executive Director Shri Akshat Jain presented him with a traditional ceremonial coconut as a mark of esteem. These gestures reflected TMU’s deep reverence for Gurudev’s teachings and values.
Gurudev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Thoughtful Words for TMU
Gurudev shared his wisdom and highlighted TMU’s role in not just imparting education but also shaping beautiful personalities through holistic development. His message resonated with students, urging them to focus on personal growth alongside academic success. In a world facing an impending water crisis, Gurudev took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of water conservation. He applauded TMU’s initiatives to save water and encouraged the university to take a leading role in raising environmental awareness amongst students and the broader community.
Distinguished Presence and Dignitaries
The procession included notable figures such as Chancellor Shri Suresh Jain, GVC Shri Manish Jain, Executive Director Shri Akshat Jain, Vice-Chancellor Prof. V.K. Jain, Registrar Dr Aditya Sharma, and Dean of Academics Prof. Manjula Jain, along with distinguished guests including MLC Dr. Jaipal Singh Vyast, MLC Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon, Mayor Mr.Vinod Agarwal, Mr. Anil Jain, as well as directors, principals, and other key university officials.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. V.K. Jain highlighted TMU’s recent achievements, including its high NAAC grade, NIRF ranking, patents, and support for start-ups. Registrar Dr. Aditya Sharma also presented the official citation, further reinforcing TMU’s reputation as a leader in both academics and social responsibility.
A diverse crowd of over 15,000 – spanning students, faculty, officials, and Art of Living community members – attended this grand event. The presence of the First Lady, Mrs. Veena Jain, and Director of Administration, Mr. Abhishek Kapoor, was also notable. Dr. Madhav Sharma conducted the proceedings.
Executive Director’s Tribute to Gurudev
In an emotional speech, TMU’s Executive Director, Shri Akshat Jain, expressed his gratitude for the guidance he received from Gurudev during his formative years. His speech revealed how his 15 years of education abroad were enriched by the teachings of Indian culture, which he continues to carry forward at TMU. He highlighted TMU’s dedication to reviving Indian cultural values and infusing them into the education system. He also expressed pride in learning the Sudarshan Kriya from Sri Sri, addressing him as a complete university himself, and mentioned that this spiritual practice had shaped his understanding of true happiness.
Gurudev’s Keynote Address
In his keynote address, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasised that a university is not just a place to obtain degrees but a centre where individuals are nurtured to become well-rounded individuals. He commended TMU for embodying this philosophy and humorously remarked that they had made him an alumnus in just one day. Sri Sri also spoke about the importance of vocational education and how fields like nursing and agriculture offer global career opportunities. His words were not only insightful but also inspiring for students seeking to carve meaningful career paths. Addressing the students directly, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar engaged in an interaction. He asked who amongst them was mischievous and reassured them that a little mischief is part of life, as long as it doesn’t harm others. This light-hearted exchange brought laughter and further deepened the bond between Gurudev and the students.
Spiritual Moments and Audience Engagement
One of the most memorable moments of the event was when Chancellor Shri Suresh Jain led thousands of attendees in the chanting of ‘Jai Gurudev’ and ‘So Hum’. The rhythmic recitation, a fundamental part of the Sudarshan Kriya, brought a wave of harmony over the crowd, creating a shared spiritual experience for all. The spiritual ambience was further elevated with devotional songs performed by the renowned musician Shri Saket Kakkar and his team. This was followed by yoga postures led by Moradabad’s own yoga guru, Smt. Ritu Narang. The blending of music, spirituality, and movement turned the event into a holistic celebration of mind, body, and soul.
Closing Moments of the Event
The visit of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji to TMU was not just a ceremonial occasion but a profound event filled with wisdom, spirituality, and joy. From conferring the honorary degree to the inspiring messages delivered by Gurudev, the day was a remarkable experience for TMU’s students, faculty, and dignitaries. The event concluded with two solemn recitations of Om Shanti, bringing a serene end to the day. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar blessed TMU and wished it continued success in its journey towards academic excellence and spiritual development. His presence left a lasting impact, reinforcing TMU’s mission to combine academic knowledge with spiritual growth.
FAQs
- What was the main highlight of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s visit to TMU?
Ans: The main highlight was the conferment of the honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and his inspiring keynote address on personality development and environmental awareness. - Who presented the honorary DLitt to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar?
Ans: The DLitt was presented by the Chancellor of TMU, Shri Suresh Jain, in recognition of Sri Sri’s contributions to spirituality and global peace. - What messages did Sri Sri Ravi Shankar convey during his speech?
Ans: Sri Sri emphasised the importance of personality development, the global water crisis, vocational education, and nurturing spiritual growth. - How many people attended the event at TMU?
Ans: Over 15,000 students, guests, and followers of the Art of Living were present, creating an electric atmosphere during the event. For more information, follow TMU’s social media channels.
