KIRTIPUR: The 33rd Convocation ceremony of Tribhuvan University was held at its central campus in Kirtipur on Friday, after a gap of four years that has been attributed to the tough political situation in the country.

In all, 24,351 students graduated 20,212 from the Bachelor’s Level and 4,109 from the Master’s Level  with 30 students graduating PH. D. in various disciplines. Of them, 1,352 students including 2 graduates attended the ceremony, TU officials said.

The recipients of awards for securing first rank in Master’s programmes in 2061 BS are Mohan Prasad Acharya of Pulchowk Engineering Campus and Tejendra Chapagain of Rampur Campus, Rampur.

Sujan Koirala of Pulchowk Engineering Campus, Pulchowk received the award for securing first position in all Master’s Level examinations of 2062 BS.

Prof. Dr Hafiz G. A. Siddiqui, the vice-Chancellor of North-Sourth University in Bangladesh, as the chief guest at the function, TU Co-Vice Chairperson and Minister for Education Renu Yadav conferred awards to the exam toppers in nine different faculties in the academic year 2062/62 BS.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is customarily the Chancellor of the University, remained absent from the programme.

This is the first time that the Chancellor did not attend the function, TU officials said.

A few days back, the students affiliated to ANNFSU-R had padlocked the office of the Examination Controller and smeared soot on the faces of the vice- chancellor and the rector of the university over the examination fee hike.

Speaking at the function, TU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Madhav Prasad Sharma expressed his concerns over financial inadequacy and urged the government to issue larger grants keeping in view the increasing number of students in the central university.

He also appreciated initiatives taken by various bodies to help make the university’s environment conducive to academic activities.