1. I consider it as a privilege to be a part of this Third Convocation of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, which was established in 2006 to augment higher education in science in our country.

I am indeed happy to be present amidst you this afternoon on the occasion of presentation of the National Awards for recognizing those who have made an outstanding contribution in the field of Prevention

1. I consider it a privilege to deliver the Convocation Address in the Golden Jubilee Year of this prestigious Agricultural University, named after the architect of modern India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

1. I am happy to be with you on the occasion of the Second Convocation of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal. This Institute today has awarded its first PhD degree along with graduation and post-graduation degrees to its second batch of students. It is a significant milestone for IISER Bhopal, which is a relatively new seat of higher learning in the educational firmament of our country.

It is my pleasure to be here today for the annual convocation of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore which is being held in its Golden Jubilee year. I congratulate all the students who have received their degrees and medals today.

Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya established in 1964 as University of Indore, reminds us of the great ruler Devi Ahilyabai Holkar who was a benevolent ruler of Malwa and who commands great respect. Association of her name with the University places great responsibility on the University to combine its role in higher education with service to society.

It is indeed a matter of satisfaction for me to join you today in conferring the prestigious National Awards, Shilpguru Awards and Sant Kabir Awards to outstanding weavers and artisans for the year 2011.

1. I am happy to join you on this annual day celebration to mark one hundred sixty years of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). I compliment the entire CPWD fraternity of engineers, architects, technical and non-technical staff, and workmen on this joyous occasion.

It gives me immense pleasure in presenting the Gandhi Peace Prize Award for the year 2013 to Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt, a life-long Gandhian and devoted and far-sighted modern environmentalist of our time.

1. It is my privilege to be here today for the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli. I congratulate everyone associated with this premier centre of technical education on this beautiful occasion.