Lucknow: Expressing unhappiness over the way the 30th convocation of the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) was conducted, the institute’s faculty forum has urged director Prof Radha Krishan Dhiman to ensure that the “dignity and grace” and established tradition of the ceremony are preserved in future.In a letter to the director, the forum said, “While the July 14 convocation was a momentous occasion for students, parents and faculty, certain traditions were not followed with due care.”The forum requested that “future ceremonies be planned in accordance with the institute’s established practices.”It suggested that in future, convocations should be held during the academic session and a fixed date, or at least a specific time of year, be earmarked for the ceremony.It also sought restoration of the practice of introducing faculty members in the academic procession to the Visitor before the event.Referring to the programme, the letter said that while it was “commendable to encourage school children and provide them a platform, the main focus of the convocation should have remained on our own students”, and cultural performances should be held after the ceremony.It said the suggestions were made “not to undermine the efforts of the convocation team” but to preserve the institute’s traditions.SGPGI director Prof Dhiman said: “SGPGI is a large family and if there are any issues, the members will sit together and discuss.”
