A total of 6 doctoral degrees and 248 master's degrees were awarded at the Fifth convocation ceremony.

In an endeavor to develop alternative methods to create a sustainable future through specialized education, TERI University graduates today at their convocation ceremony, pledged to uphold the noble cause of environmental protection and the need to maintain equity, ecological security, and the wealth of global natural resources.

TERI University held its fifth convocation ceremony, where 6 students were conferred doctoral degrees and 248 received master's degrees from the university.

Commencing the convocation ceremony, Dr. R.K.Pachauri, Director General, TERI and Chancellor, TERI University said "I would like to congratulate the students who are graduating today. The day has come when we should be driven by not what we have today but a vision of the future and look beyond it. We together need to make every single effort possible to live up to the expectations and aspirations of society. I am confident that the graduates go out equipped with new values and ethics and work hard to meet the challenges world is facing and ensure an enlightening future."

On the occasion, TERI University also conferred honorary doctorates on Mr. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Hon'ble Prime Minister (Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations); Nobel Laureate Prof. Carlo Rubbia, Scientific Director, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Germany; Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President, 66th session of the UN General Assembly; Mr. Zhang Yue, Chairman, BROAD Group, China and Mr.Thomas Friedman, Journalist and Columnist, New York Times.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sam Pitroda Advisor to the Hon'ble Prime Minister said "It is indeed a privilege to be conferred with such an honor by TERI University. I deeply appreciate and admire TERI's stellar work in various fields, particularly energy, which is the key to growth for Indian Economy. It is important to encourage innovations and the young talent pool of this country must strive to develop new applications for public services. I am convinced that the graduates passing out today will show the way forward. I must take this opportunity to convey to them that the real learning starts today."

He added "Going forward, we need the assistance of institutions like TERI to advise us on various issues related to sustainable development to ensure a sustainable future"

Mr. Thomas Friedman, Journalist and columnist, New York Times said "It is a real honour for me. The young graduates passing out today have the responsibility to regenerate, renew, refresh, restore the depleting resources and work towards a sustainable future. I am hopeful that the young graduates passing out today are prepared for this vital task"

Prof. Carlo Rubbia, Nobel Laureate said "It is an emotional moment for me. India is a great country with a rich cultural heritage. I am extremely glad to see that the young India is full of enthusiasm. This is an indication that the future of science is successful in their hands, and I wish all the graduates all the best for their endeavors".

Dr. Leena Srivastava, Executive Director, TERI and Vice Chancellor, TERI University said "I congratulate the graduates and wish them all the best of the future. I am confident that they will be coming up with cutting edge initiatives to deal with various issues that the world is facing, and be able to meet up societal needs in the future"

Dr. Rajiv Seth, Registrar, TERI University said "The expectations from the students after completing their education at TERI University would be very large and I hope that they would contribute to make India and the world better places to live in."

In the past, nine honorary doctorates have been awarded by TERI University to the "creme de la creme" of the Government and business fraternity which includes Mr.Nandan Nilekani, CEO and MD, Infosys Technologies (2006), Mr .Tejendra Khanna, Lt Governor, Delhi, Dr Sultan Al-Jaber, CEO Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co., Dr KK Yumkella, DG UNIDO (2010), Mr James A Michel, President of Seychelles, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President of Guyana, Mr Erik Solheim, Minister of Environment, Norway, Dr Elinor Ostrom, Nobel Laureate, and Ms Naina Lal Kidwai, Country Head, HSBC (2012).

TERI University students undergo training and internships with government, multilateral and multinational agencies as a part of academic curriculum. The students graduated from multidisciplinary fields ranging from M Sc (Environmental Studies) to MTech(Renewable Energy Engineering and Management).