The Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) conferred the degrees on 157 students from Post Graduate Programme in rural management (PGPRM) and two students in fellow programme in rural management (FPRM), who graduated this year.

At the 34th Annual Convocation of the institute held on Saturday at its campus in Anand, eminent industrialist, philanthropist, and Rajya Sabha Member Anu Agha addressed the students and expressed her concerns about the increasing urbanisation and deteriorating situation of villages.

Aga expressed concerns over amplifying urbanisation in the country and said, "nobody seems to have bothered about life in the villages," which is in stark contrast to Gandhi’s dream of starting self-governance from the villages.

Agha also expressed confidence on the young graduates, who have opted to deal with the real India instead of running after perks and packages.

Deep Joshi, Chairman of IRMA, said, "(IRMA) is unique because it was built around a new imagination, a new discipline... dedicated to educating professionals to serve the rural, the neglected two-thirds of India." He went on to emphasize that, "...there is a need for much greater public support, from philanthropies, CSR and government policies..."

The student of PRM, Praveen N, who topped, was awarded the Kuchibhotla Vasanthi Gold Medal by the Chief Guest, Agha, while another PRM student Shaleen Arora was awarded the Prof. Shiladitya Memorial Prize for best performance in Financial Management. Also, five PRM participants were awarded the Shree Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) scholarships for having emerged as top performers in their first year.

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