Mathura: Mathura Sanskriti University held its fifth annual convocation ceremony at its campus yesterday, with former President of India Ram Nath Kovind as the chief guest.

During the ceremony, Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru, renowned for sculpting the Balak Ram idol at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy (D. Phil) degree in Sculpting and Art.

Yogiraj is also known for his other notable works, including the 12-foot-tall, 35-ton statue of Adi Shankaracharya at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the 30-foot statue of Subhash Chandra Bose on the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in New Delhi.

Others who received the doctorate were Rahul Sharma, a renowned Santoor maestro, Satya Hinduja, a celebrated sound artist, Udayraj Gadnis, a prominent artist, Krishna Mehta, a textile and fashion designer and  Rochelle Potkar, an acclaimed writer. At the convocation, a total of 108 medals and 1,482 degrees were awarded to the meritorious students, marking a significant milestone in their  academic journey.

Addressing the convocation, Ram Nath Kovind inspired the graduates with his words of wisdom. He emphasised the importance of giving back to society, stating, “What society has given you, you must return.” He urged the students to work in the national interest, assuring them that their success depends not on their background but on their dedication and intentions.

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining good health, noting, “Half of the country’s population is not engaging in physical activities.  In a nation known for yoga and pranayama, this is unacceptable. A healthy body fosters a better mind.” Kovind urged everyone to modernize while remaining connected to their cultural roots.

Sachin Gupta, Chancellor of Sanskriti University, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. M.B. Chetti were also present at the ceremony.