Pokhara University’s 21st Convocation: Education Should not Be Limited to Formal Certificates, Asserts PM Karki

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that education should not be confined to formal certificates alone, emphasizing its practical application.

Addressing the 21st Convocation Ceremony of the Pokhara University here today, PM Karki, also the Chancellor of the University, stressed that the universities must oriented themselves towards producing skilled, entrepreneurial, innovative and ethical human resources to cater the need of the contemporary society.

Pointing out the need to promote academic activities based on research and the innovation of new technologies, Karki underscored that the university programmes should be directly linked to strengthening the national economy.

The PM warned that the knowledge and curriculum that fail to connect with economic prosperity and human welfare pose risk of becoming irrelevant.

“It is a matter of shared concern that a large number of youths are leaving abroad immediately after completing their university studies,” the Head of the Government voiced her concern, urging both students and universities to adapt to emerging technologies and make themselves competitive and capable in the context of rapidly changing global landscape.

She observed that embracing change as an opportunity and pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship had become an unavoidable necessity in the present time.

On the occasion, PM Karki lauded the Pokhara University for its continued efforts aimed at expanding access to higher education in areas such as management and science since its establishment.

“It is necessary to focus on qualitative growth and make special efforts towards producing human resources that can meet the demands of global market and fare in the competition,” the septuagenarian leader stated.

The PM encouraged the new graduates and said, “The certificates you graduates have received is not merely a basis for employment. It is also a testament to your capacity to identify complex problems in Nepali society and country and seek long-term solutions. You must succeed in that.”

Stating that youths in today’s era are leaders, policymakers, administrators and agents of social transformation, she urged them to lay foundation for responsible leadership from now onward.
PM Karki, who is leading the government formed in the wake of Gen-Z movement in 2025, remarked that the voices raised by the youths during the Gen-Z uprising in last September 8 and 9 reflected deep and fundamental concerns.

Calling for self-reflection on the past shortcomings, she expressed optimism and said, “Desired transformation is possible if we move ahead with a positive outlook towards the future, a sense of responsibility on our shoulders, dedication and integrity in our heart.”

She further appealed to everyone to actively and responsibly participate in the March 5 election to House of Representatives, describing the upcoming election as an important opportunity to strengthen democracy, promote good-governance and build a corruption-free nation.

A total of 6,622 students were conferred degrees in the Convocation Ceremony today.

Among the graduates are 3,625 students from the Faculty of Management; 2,506 from the Faculty of Science and Technology, 365 from Health Sciences, and 126 from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, according to PU’s information officer Lok Prasad Dhakal. (RSS)