The 51st convocation ceremony of Tribhuvan University (TU) concluded in Kathmandu on Thursday.

A total of 16,380 students formally received their degrees during the convocation ceremony. These included 11,234 Bachelor’s degree holders, 4,860 Master’s graduates, 130 MPhil scholars, and 152 PhD recipients. Fourteen postgraduate diploma holders also participated in the event.

A total of 89, 591 graduates were eligible for the convocation. 

At the ceremony, a total of 22 students attaining highest results in different faculties were provided with different convocation medals. 

In her address to the ceremony, Prime Minister and University's Chancellor Sushila Karki called for the graduate students to link knowledge with service, skills with integrity and success with society.

On the occasion, chief guest, the noble laureate in Physics in 2015, Dr Takaaki Kajita shared that perpetuation of study and research even after his PhD was attribution to the attainment of a Nobel award. 

"As a physicist, I have spent much of my life exploring the mysteries of the Universe. Physics research tells us that every process takes time, and progress is often invisible until breakthrough happens. Success in life works in the same way," the Nobel laureate Chief Guest Kajita said on the occasion.

According to him, it requires a strong will, continuous effort, and the belief that even when results are not yet visible, your work is building towards something meaningful.

He stated that the future is not decided by those who are the strongest' but is shaped by those who are willing to keep trying. 

"Whether you become teachers, scientists, engineers, policymakers, or leaders in your community –your contributions matter. Society progresses not only because of a few extraordinary individuals, but because many people choose persistence over resignation, and responsibility over indifference." 

He encouraged the graduates to cultivate the qualities: a sense of purpose, resilience, compassion and humility.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education, Science and Technology and TU Pro-Chancellor Mahabir Pun said that the world now values individual skills more than academic degrees. He added that knowledge should be applied to address societal issues.

The Minister also urged graduates to use their knowledge as a tool to combat poverty and promote the country’s economic development. 

He encouraged them to learn from the Convocation’s Chief Guest, Japanese scientist Takaaki Kajita, winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics, emphasizing that small inquiries can lead to great explorations and research.

On the occasion, 22 outstanding performers from various faculties and levels were awarded, including Bishal Joshi from the MPhil program and Raksha Bhetwal from the Master’s degree.

TU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Deepak Aryal said that the convocation marks a take-off point for a bright future for the graduates. 

He stressed that there is no alternative for the graduates to work hard and dedication to unlock opportunities.