Sat Feb 15 08:10:38 UTC 2025: ## Vice President Dhankhar Stresses National Interest at SMVDU Convocation

**Katra, J&K, February 15, 2025** – Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the 10th convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in Katra on Saturday, emphasizing the primacy of national interest over all other considerations. He stated that “nationalism is our religion” and urged attendees to prioritize it above political or individual interests.

Dhankhar lauded India’s progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past decade. He also hailed the abrogation of Article 370 as a “historic” decision, characterizing the previous constitutional provision as temporary.

A total of 865 students received degrees, including 684 Bachelor’s, 147 Master’s, 34 Integrated Master’s, and 44 PhDs. The graduating class comprised 501 male and 408 female students. Awards presented included 26 medals, nine certificates of distinction, and 10 Infosys Foundation prizes for excellence.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Educational Minister Sakeena Firdous also attended the ceremony. Sinha, who is also the university’s chancellor, welcomed the Vice President at Jammu airport earlier in the day.

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