BIRATNAGAR, Jan. 4: Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Purbanchal University Lokendra Bahadur Chand said that the civic felicitation of Their Majesties had further strengthened historic, cultural and spiritual relations between the Monarch and the people.

“His Majesty the King is committed to rule the country as per the tradition of the Shah Dynasty and the wishes of the people,” Prime Minister Chand told the first convocation programme of Purbanchal University here Saturday.

Conveying the message of Their Majesties, Premier Chand said that Their Majesties have thanked the people of the region for organising the first civic honour for Their Majesties.

Stating that His Majesty the King has called upon the people to consolidate democracy in the civic reception, Chand noted, “The Monarch has reiterated His Majesty’s commitment to multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy.”

Chand said that Biratnagar has not only developed in the industrial sector but also it has made significant contribution in the education sector.

He asked the students, who graduated today, to utilise the knowledge they gained, their skill and efficiency for the larger interest of the nation, he said.

Prime Minister also urged them to uphold good moral character. Prime Minister Chand also hailed the opinion of Professor Dr. Roland Von Bothmer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Swedish University of Agriculture Sciences, who was the chief guest at the programme.

Dr. Von Bothmer in his convocation address talked about ‘Biodiversity: Promises, Possibilities and Responsibilities’.

Addressing the function, Dr. Bothmer said that Nepal has magnificent natural resources, beautiful landscape, which are excellent prerequisites for eco-tourism.

“The future demands a human welfare based on sustainable development. The university here has a big role to play for sustainability and global welfare,” he added.

Toran Bahadur Karki, Vice-Chancellor of Purbanchal University, said that the university, since it was established eight years ago, was committed to generating skilled and professional manpower capable of facing the challenges in the new century.

At the convocation Prime Minister and Chancellor of the PU Chand presented graduate certificates to 189 students, who passed the BA, B. Ed., BBS and Bachelors in Computer Application. Chand also gave away gold medals to seven students securing the highest position in the examinations. More than 5,000 students are studying at Purbanchal University.