The Eighth Convocation of CEPT University was held on Saturday, 4th January 2014 morning at CEPT University Campus, Ahmedabad. Prof. Kaivan Munshi, Frank Ramsey Professor of Economics at University of Cambridge, UK, was the Chief Guest and delivered the convocation address. At this convocation, 446 students from five faculties received their degrees; 8 students were awarded their Doctorate degree, 363 students their post graduate degree and 75 students their undergraduate degree. The function was attended by parents in large number.
President of CEPT University Dr. Bimal Patel delivered his address in which he traced academic journey the university, especially the successful completion of the Winter School, the forthcoming Summer School and the implementation of the Choice Based Curriculum. This progress has been made since the Board of CEPT University mandated the faculty and staff of the university to undertake a deep and critical introspective exercise of reimagining.
Dr Patel also announced that the university will soon be inaugurating a state-of-the-art Digital Fabrication Lab. It will now be possible for students to use highly sophisticated laser cutters, 3D printers and digitally controlled milling machines. This semester’s course catalogue already offers an elective titled ‘Fab Lab Bootcamp’. The Fab Lab at our University has been made possible by a generous grant from the Motwani-Jadeja Family Foundation.
He shared how the Chief Guest, Prof. Munshi’s research has been devoted to the analysis of communities and their interaction with economic activity. His intellectual journey exemplifies what happens when we build our institutions to be broadminded, student focused, liberal and choice based. Prof. Munshi’s address was important for students as it was about development economics which is his forte, relates to all five disciplines taught at this university: Architecture, Design, Construction Technology, Planning and Habitat Management.
Chairman CEPT University, Mr. Sanjay Lalbhai said in his address that “Given that buildings are large contributors to these, it is vital that architects, planners, designers and technologists like you take a lead in this - by employing sustainable practices like, ‘green’ building materials, optimizing energy systems, designing the buildings to take advantage of natural light and ventilation.” To illustrate the fact that the future of society depends on the infrastructure it builds, in that the future lay with the students of CEPT University as they work with human habitat.
The Chief Guest Mr. Kaivan Munshi enlightened the students with his speech by describing his student journey through civil engineering, architecture, urban planning and then doctoral work in economics. Prof. Munshi also spent two years at IGIDR and IRMA exploring these interests before going back to do his doctorate in Economics. He said, “To persevere to 1) find your calling, you owe it to yourself, 2) live life with risk, be a first to do things, not be a follower 3) have a sense of responsibility – only then will you truly be fulfilled. When faced with frustration, I remind myself of my responsibility, and then I can carry on.” He elaborated on the importance of development economics.
