The final chapter symbolizing the successful completion of studies ends with Convocation ceremonies. A day that is sacred and very special for every student. And Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education (SMU-DE) made sure the 1000 rank holders receiving their convocation this year felt extra special. Culminating into a three day breezy affair spread across 6 cities, SMU-DE Convocation 2010 ceremony had everything: lights, cameras, icons from the field of education, distinguished personalities, families and most importantly the students beaming with smiles as each and every student savored the moment the degree landed in their hands. 

SMU-DE has been a pioneer in the path of practical industry oriented education and its degrees have been recognized as more valuable than those offered by regular colleges. Today as SMU-DE stands chosen as the best distance learning institute of India in terms of teaching efficiency and results and the third best overall, the fact that students of SMU-DE pass out with degrees that work in the real world is a welcome change in an education system dogged by lack of industry training. The SMUDE convocation ceremony in terms of grandeur and class is not just a celebration of a student’s efforts and a means of honoring them but also stands as a virtue for an institute that is legitimate and the best in the country.

SMU-DE 2010 Convocation ceremony was held across 6 cities namely Kolkata, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Patna and Guwahati. A host of dignitaries including the University Director Tej Pal Singh, Chairman of DEC Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya BM Lalong, Former Vice Chancellor of Dibrugarh University Dr. Kulendu Pathak and many other leading personalities graced the occasion across the venues. Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai while congratulating the students on their degree and the institution for holding a grand ceremony stressed on the importance of practical based education in life urging the students to carry on with their hard work and achieve unlimited success. Brig (Dr) Surjit Singh Pabla, the Vice-Chancellor of the SMU University also congratulated the students of the day and stressed on the principles of SMU-DE, saying that students today should receive an education that is not just of high quality but relevant to today's industry and highly competitive global market place. 

A convocation ceremony in theory symbolizes the end of student life but at SMU-DE it is the beginning of a new journey in life, a story that is to be scripted with success and panache. SMU-DE students post convocation form an integral part of the already 3 lakh strong alumni family immediately. A family that stands for success, dedication and team work whereby the alumni frequently visit students to deliver guest lectures, guide them and share their stories of achievement. This has resulted in our students being a happy lot getting the best of both worlds: theory & skills and practical exposure. A point aptly summarized by Anjali while receiving her MBA degree before the overwhelming emotion of the occasion got to her and she could not hold back her tears, “Students of SMU-DE can proudly say that we have got the best facilities and guidance that any regular college in the country would have failed to provide. To top it all a convocation ceremony of this magnitude and grandeur is unthinkable. Only an institute like SMU-DE can do it with its excellence and expertise both in technology and human resource”.  

As the ceremony reached its conclusion and the students reunited with their loved ones, the Convocation was aptly summarized by India’s leading newspapers in their next day’s edition: Smiles and cheers abound as SMU-DE students received their degrees. Because a degree at SMU-DE is all about enjoying the brighter aspects of education and starting a career that is filled with success and joy.