Raja Mansingh Tomar University Awards 67 Gold Medals, 368 Degrees, 14 Research Degrees

The seventh convocation ceremony of Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University was held in Gwalior on 16/10/2026, with 67 gold medals, 368 degrees and 14 research degrees awarded for the academic years 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The ceremony was held at the Dattopant Thengadi Auditorium of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University. The convocation ceremony also saw the release of the university’s Convocation Souvenir 2026 from the stage.

The ceremony was presided over by Madhya Pradesh Governor and Chancellor of the university, Shri Mangubhai Patel. Addressing the gathering, he said that all students who received gold medals and degrees, along with their parents and gurus, deserved congratulations.

Shri Mangubhai Patel said that art and culture play an important role in strengthening the foundations of society and the nation. He said universities need to focus not only on artists but also on the preservation and promotion of extinct arts.

He also stressed the need to use modern technologies as new platforms in changing times. He said education should be filled with sensitivity and should teach students how to live for the welfare of society and the nation.

The Governor made these remarks while addressing the seventh convocation ceremony of Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University. University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Smita Sahastrabuddhe delivered the welcome address.

The programme began with the national song, followed by the national anthem. After this, a Saraswati Vandana composed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Smita Sahastrabuddhe and arranged by Dr Parul Dixit was presented.

Students then performed the university’s anthem through a Bharatanatyam presentation directed by Dr Gauripriya. This was followed by an impressive dance performance dedicated to Maa Katyayani, directed by Dr Anjana Jha.

A procession was taken out before these programmes. It included the Registrar, members of the Academic Council, Executive Council and General Council, the Vice-Chancellor, the chief guest, distinguished guests, other guests, and the aides accompanying the Hon’ble Chancellor and the Hon’ble Governor. At the end of the programme, the procession took place in a changed order.

The chief guest at the ceremony was internationally renowned classical vocalist Pt. Ajay Pohankar of the Gwalior gharana from Pune, who has been honoured with the Tansen Award. The distinguished guests included Atul Kothari, National Secretary of Sanskriti Shiksha Utthan Nyas, New Delhi, and Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Minister of Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments of Madhya Pradesh, holding independent charge.

While administering the convocation oath to the students, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Smita Sahastrabuddhe said that they should continue moving forward on the auspicious path of life and should never give up the truth.

Speaking on the role of art in life, distinguished guest Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said that the convocation ceremony was moving from knowledge to practice, from practice to creation, and from creation towards the service of the nation.

He said that in the Indian knowledge tradition, education has been regarded as the purpose and meaning of life. He said music and art should be made the foundation, as they possess an extraordinary ability to touch the human soul.

Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said that when self-awareness becomes part of art along with skill, a person becomes a guide for others. He urged students to adopt art as a practice in life, remain connected with their roots and use their talent to expand human values.

Distinguished guest Shri Atul Kothari said that the tradition of convocation has existed in the country since ancient times. He said that in the Indian tradition, knowledge has never been limited to information. Instead, there has been a tradition of researching knowledge and bringing it into one’s conduct.

He asked the students to remain students throughout their lives and always stay inspired by the desire to learn.

Chief guest Pt. Ajay Pohankar presented a melodious Hari bhajan during the ceremony. The words of the bhajan were “Govind Jai, Gopal Jai...”. He then gave an impressive presentation of a thumri, which captivated the audience. Its words were “Kaisi Ye Banai Re Kalai...”.

A total of 67 gold medals were awarded for the two years, 2024-25 and 2025-26. A total of 368 degrees were also awarded for these two academic years. These included 368 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

In addition, 14 research degrees were presented in different faculties. These included 5 degrees in vocal music, 2 in tabla and 7 in painting.

The Pt. Raja Bhaiya Puchhwale Sangeet Parishad Smriti Gold Medal, instituted by the Late Pt. PL Gohadkar, was awarded to Ayush Mishra and Akshat Mishra for securing the highest marks in vocal music.

The Late Pt. PL Gohadkar Smriti Gold Medal, instituted by Prof. Smita Sahastrabuddhe, was awarded to Punit Kadwane for securing the highest marks among all faculties.

The Late Smt. Sharda Mahendra Singh Smriti Gold Medal, instituted by university Executive Council member Chandrapratap Sikarwar, was awarded to Amitabh Acharya and Vikas Singh Goyal for securing the highest marks in theatre and drama.

The Lal Ramsharan Anand Smriti Gold Medal, dedicated by university Academic Council member Ashok Anand, was awarded to Rajat Singh and Aishwarya Dubey for securing the highest marks in theatre and drama.

Registrar Dr Ashutosh Khare, Academic Council member Shri Ashok Anand, Executive Council member Shri Chandrapratap Sikarwar, Sundarlal Malviya, Dr Manish Karwade, Dr Anjana Jha, Dr Sanjay Singh, Dr Gauripriya, Dr Himanshu Dwivedi, Dr Paarul Dixit, Dr Shyam Rastogi, Yogesh Sharma and PRO Kuldeep Pathak were present on the occasion.

All teachers, accompanists, employees and students of the university were also present. The programme was conducted by Dr Himanshu Dwivedi.