Bhubaneswar: The Utkal University, the oldest and mother university of Odisha, on Thursday celebrated its 83rd Foundation Day with a renewed commitment to academic excellence.
Welcoming the guests, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jagneshwar Dandapat highlighted the university’s transformative role in shaping Odisha’s educational landscape. The institution’s legacy is not merely measured in years, but in the thousands of minds it has shaped, the research it has inspired, and the values it has upheld, he said.
Prof. Dandapat emphasized the need to embrace digital advancements, pioneering reforms, and broaden opportunities in research and innovation. He expressed pride that Utkal University’s alumni are excelling across the globe: as academicians, researchers, scientists, administrators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in public service. He underscored the relevance of NEP 2020, the importance of multidisciplinary studies, innovation, startup ecosystems, and sustainability. He envisioned Utkal University as a heritage institution, a powerhouse of innovative research, and a dream destination for learners worldwide:
On the occasion, Registrar Dr. Swati Mishra presented the annual report outlining the university’s remarkable achievements. Utkal University, the 17th oldest university in India, secured the 48th rank nationally and 1st position in Odisha in the NIRF rankings conducted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The university ranked 32nd in the OUTLOOK-ICARE Rankings 2025, recognized for sustainable practices, research output, robust infrastructure, governance, employment generation, and industry linkages, she mentioned.
She also highlighted the university’s dedication to social service, innovation, and student excellence. A special mention was made of Miss Pratisha from the Department of Sociology, who brought laurels by winning 4 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medals in Khelo India Events and has received the prestigious Ekalavya Award.
The Foundation Day Lecture was delivered by Chief Speaker Prof. Bedangadas Mohanty from National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar. In an inspiring address, he spoke about the contemporary challenges in higher education and the immense potential of Indian universities to achieve global excellence through innovation, inclusivity and global standards of research. A proud alumnus of the Department of Physics of Utkal University and now heading a team of eminent scientists working over the Large Hadron Collision Experiment at Geneva – he encouraged students to embrace curiosity, research, and innovation in everyday observations of the creation.
Chief Guest Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry Central University appreciated Utkal University for its sustained academic contributions that have shaped countless minds across generations. He emphasized the institution’s role in carrying forward Odisha’s cultural heritage and intellectual strength, citing several great men of India and the World who are proud alumni members of the varsity.
Director of Students’ Welfare and Professor of Geology Shreerup Goswami offered vote of thanks.