Jaipur, March 25 A brief protest erupted at the graduation ceremony of the Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication here on Wednesday after only students who won gold medals were initially awarded degrees on stage, leaving other students disappointed.
According to details about the incident, 12 gold medalists were given degrees on stage, following which the programme was concluded. This triggered protests by other students, who demanded that degrees be distributed to them from the stage as well.
Some students raised slogans and even lay down in front of the vehicle of Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, who had stepped out of the venue after awarding degrees to the medal winners.
Following the protest, Bairwa returned to the auditorium and resumed the distribution of degrees on stage to other students.
Bairwa, along with Rajasthan Lieutenant Governor Haribhau Bagde and Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, was invited to the ceremony.
Earlier, Devnani, who was the chief guest, said that journalism is not just a profession but a mission, and stressed the need to prioritize accuracy over speed in the era of digital media and fake news.
Bairwa, who also addressed the occasion, said that journalism remains a powerful medium for public awareness, and responsibility has increased in the digital age.
Meanwhile, Governor Bagde said that a graduation ceremony is not just a celebration of academic achievement but a symbol of a new beginning in life, and urged students to use their knowledge for the welfare of society with humility.
A total of 271 students were awarded degrees during the ceremony, including 269 undergraduate and postgraduate students and two PhD scholars. Twelve students were awarded gold medals, while 35 received merit certificates.
Vice Chancellor Prof Nand Kishore Pandey highlighted the university's academic achievements and said that the institution is committed to providing quality and practical education in media and communication, officials said.