New Delhi (March 18, 2025): The XXII Sorbon International Convocation held at the prestigious Bel-la Monde Hotel in New Delhi was a grand affair, marking a celebration of academic excellence, cultural contributions, and women’s empowerment. With a distinguished gathering of intellectuals, dignitaries, and awardees, the event highlighted the significant strides made in education, social change, and leadership.
The event commenced with the formal registration of attendees and a photo session for the awardees. Guests were then invited to take their seats, as the atmosphere filled with anticipation. At 5:05 PM, the ceremony began with the national anthems of France and India, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting, symbolizing the enlightenment of knowledge.
A special cultural touch was added with an invocation dance performance by the Ghungroo Institute of India, who performed Kathak to honor Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati, embodying the fusion of tradition and grace.
Dr. Vivek Choudhry’s Address
Dr. Vivek Choudhry, Vice President of the Ecole Superieure Robert de Sorbon (ESRDS) in France and Chairman of the IIPPT Foundation, took the stage at 5:23 PM. He welcomed the guests and shared heartfelt memories of his late father, Dr. Naren Choudhry. He recounted how his father’s vision to impart knowledge led to the establishment of the Chaudhary Shivnath Sandilye Post Graduate College in Meerut, which now enrolls over 5,000 students. Dr. Choudhry also spoke about the significant contributions of the IIPPT Foundation and its commitment to the educational sector.
He further explained that the Bharat Samman Award was established in his father’s memory to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields. He also expressed his gratitude to Dr. John Thomas Prade and the Indian team for their continued support. Dr. Choudhry added, Today, we celebrate the awardees, and it’s a memorable day that will be etched in your lives forever.
Dr. John Thomas Prade’s Keynote Speech
Dr. John Thomas Prade, President of the Ecole Superieure Robert de Sorbon, also addressed the gathering, remarking on the vibrant and dynamic culture of India. Namaste, my dear friends, he began, expressing his deep appreciation for the warm hospitality of the Indian people. Dr. Prade shared his admiration for India’s rapid growth, stating that it is poised to become the third-largest economy globally, a transformation that cannot be overlooked. He further praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in transforming India, comparing his impact to that of global leaders like Donald Trump.
Dr. Prade highlighted India’s importance on the global stage, especially in technology and innovation, and stressed that India’s success should serve as a model for the rest of the world.
Award Ceremony: Bharat Samman and Women Empowerment Awards
The ceremony continued with the prestigious Bharat Samman Awards. Notable awardees included Dr. M. Ramchandran, former Chief Executive of Uttarakhand, who graciously accepted his award, stating, Life’s journey is about continuous growth, not about seeking recognition. I thank you for this platform.
Dr. Kartar Singh Tanwar, a third-time elected member in Delhi, expressed his gratitude, adding, When we are honored, it gives us renewed energy to continue our work in excellence. Other recipients of the Bharat Samman Award included Dr. Bart S. Fisher and Meenakshi Lekhi, the Member of Parliament.
In the Women Empowerment Awards segment, Dr. Mandeep Maitra, founder of the Online Women Empowerment Community, was honored for her relentless efforts to empower women and challenge societal biases. I am deeply humbled by this recognition, Dr. Maitra said, The choices we make and the biases we fight are integral to this journey, and I dedicate this award to the men who stand beside us in this struggle.
Dr. Sanjana John, a leader in cultural upliftment and fashion, also received the award and shared her joy: This is the moment of Shakti (strength). Together, we can bring about change, and I am proud to be part of this movement.
Another notable recipient, Dr. Neera Sharma, founder of the Sukhsetu Foundation, passionately spoke about the importance of women acknowledging their own worth. We must empower ourselves. The sky is for women, she declared, calling on all women to rise above societal bias and embrace their full potential.
Shalini Soni, co-founder of Addhyan Books, also received the Women Empowerment Award and shared her personal journey of resilience. The journey from ‘why me’ to ‘why not me’ has been transformational, and I thank everyone for this beautiful award, she said.
Dr. Meenakshi Lekhi’s Inspiring Speech
The final address of the evening came from Dr. Meenakshi Lekhi, who spoke movingly about the importance of recognition. I find myself in a situation today where I am both honored and tasked with honoring others, she began. The greatest joy in recognizing others is in motivating them to continue their work. This recognition is not just an acknowledgment of achievements but a call for others to emulate the same qualities.
She further emphasized the significance of knowledge in India, calling the country the cradle of learning, with ancient universities like Takshashila and Nalanda, and a rich tradition of valuing wisdom over material gains. In a world where economies often overshadow knowledge, India continues to honor intellectual achievements, Dr. Lekhi said. Being recognized on this global platform is a validation of the importance of education and experience.
Dr. Lekhi concluded her speech by reflecting on the changing education policies in India, which prioritize the dissemination of knowledge, and encouraged the attendees to continue their pursuit of learning. The true joy in life comes from knowledge, and this recognition is a reflection of that, she remarked.
The evening concluded with the conferral of Doctorate Degrees to the awardees, making the XXII Sorbon International Convocation a landmark event in fostering international cooperation, empowerment, and educational excellence.
Sorbon International Convocation 2025 | École Supérieure Robert De Sorbon | Photo Highlights
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