Guwahati, May 17: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati Off-Campus held its 12th Convocation for the students who graduated in the year 2025. The event was held at the Zubeen Garg Auditorium, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), Guwahati, in the presence of the Chief Guest Mr. Justice Soumitra Saikia, Judge, Gauhati High Court and Prof. D.P. Singh, Chancellor, TISS, following the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, the Chancellor declared the convocation open.
The Chief Guest Mr. Justice Soumitra Saikia delivered the Convocation Address where he extended his gratitude for the invitation to participate in a moment of immense intellectual significance, institutional pride, and public promise.
He offered heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students who leave the institution not merely as degree holders, but as custodians of knowledge and agents of social transformation.
In his address, the Hon’ble Chief Guest highlighted how TISS has, over decades, earned a distinguished place in India’s intellectual and public life whose contributions have shaped society far beyond institutional walls.
He added that the Guwahati Off-Campus, founded with a visionary commitment to the Northeast, carries a mandate of exceptional historical and national significance. As a member of the judiciary, he emphasised that the Constitution of India is not merely a legal framework but a moral covenant that binds this nation together and promises justice.
Through the words of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he urged the present generation of students to carry the responsibility to transform challenges into opportunities and uphold the constitutional principles of justice, equality and fraternity to shape the future of this region, not through borrowed models, but through informed innovation rooted in indigenous wisdom, local realities, and constitutional values.
Prof. D.P. Singh, Chancellor, TISS, congratulated the students and delivered an inspiring Presidential Address highlighting the significance of this year as TISS is in its 90th year of existence.
He said that, knowledge must be answerable to real lives and real communities and not lie merely in textbooks. He stated that TISS served a longstanding commitment to the Northeast in the way it prepared students to be thoughtful, grounded and capable in assuming roles as Indian and global citizens incorporating goodness as a value.
He urged students to incorporate trust, integrity as integral values and redirect energy towards creation. The students must imbibe the spirit of Lok Kalyan, thereby contributing beyond oneself. All these values are interconnected and embodied in the spirit of the NEP2020 and the aims of Viksit Bharat@2047, he stated.
Prof. Badri Narayan Tiwari in the Vice Chancellor’s Address expressed immense pleasure on the conferral of the degrees upon the graduating students and doctoral scholars from their vibrant campus in the Northeast.
He mentioned that the accomplishments represent not only individual scholarly success but also reflect the growing stature of TISS as a multi-campus institution committed to addressing India’s diverse social realities with intellectual rigour, ethical sensitivity, and transformative intent.
Prof. Tiwari also added that in this era defined by Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat, TISS is at a critical juncture as we celebrate the 90th year (Navati) of our existence and continue to strive towards academic excellence and meaningful contribution to the nation; TISS Bharat and TISS Global have been envisioned as strategies to achieve these goals.
He implored the graduating students to remain part of a distinguished TISS tradition that bridges knowledge with purposeful action for social justice while offering his congratulations to them and the campus.
Following the resolution by the Vice Chancellor and the Oath administered by the Chancellor, the graduating students were presented for their awards. Dr. Santhosh M.R., Chairperson of the Unit for Research and Development, Dr. Abhinandan Saikia, Associate Dean, School of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Prof. Kalpana Sarathy, Dean, School of Social Work and Dr. Minakshi Buragohain, Chairperson of the Centre for Undergraduate Studies presented the students for their respective schools and centres.
There are 116 students graduated in the year 2025; three scholars received their PhD degree in Social Sciences, 102 students obtained their MA and MASW degrees in different programmes offered at the Off-Campus, while 11 students obtained their Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (BASS) exiting in the third year.
The Chief Guest was invited to present the medals and shields to 27 students across various programmes. The Chancellor’s Gold Medal for Guwahati Off-Campus (2024-2025) instituted for the first time in each campus was received by Mr. Jyotirmoy Jishnu who completed his MA in Social Work (Livelihood and Social Entrepreneurship).
Prof. Jagannath Ambagudia, Campus Director, TISS Guwahati Off-Campus presented the Annual Report 2024-2025. He highlighted the achievements of the campus and mentioned the research projects, publications and research activities of the faculty and the achievements of students. One of the most
Notable achievements in early 2025 he stated was the recognition by the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, GoI, of TISS Guwahati and its potential to be one of the marquee institutions for the Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities in the region.
This acknowledgement is due to the Northeast region-focused coursework, research, and admission policy of TISS that emphasises the commitment to the youth of Northeast.
The Campus Director also mentioned that under the visionary leadership of Prof. Badri Narayan Tiwari, Vice Chancellor, TISS and his commitment to the Northeast region has further strengthened as TISS continues to reflect growth and academic excellence and prepares students towards local, national and global relevance.
Others who were presence former chairperson, UGC, Prof. Badri Narayan Tiwari, Vice Chancellor, TISS, Dr. Narendra Mishra, Officiating Registrar, TISS, Prof. Sunil D. Santha, Dean Academic Affairs, TISS. The occasion was graced by several dignitaries including the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, KKHSOU and Directors, OKDISC and ICSSR-NERC, Dr. Keshav Kumar, IPS (Retd.), Advisor to the Government of Assam Home and Political Affairs.
The convocation proceedings were conducted by Dr. Narendra Mishra, Officiating Registrar, TISS. The ceremony ended with the felicitation of the Chief Guest and dignitaries. Prof. Kalpana Sarathy, Dean, School of Social Work, TISS Guwahati Off-Campus proposed the vote of thanks.
