TERI University held its Fourth Convocation ceremony on 1 February 2012 in which eight students were conferred doctoral degrees and 157 students were awarded master’s degrees. HE Col James Alix Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles, was the Chief Guest at the occasion along with Dr R K Pachauri, Chancellor, TERI University and Director-General, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

Honorary doctorates were awarded to HE James Alix Michel, President, Republic of Seychelles; Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President, Republic of Guyana; Erik Solheim, Minister of Environment and Minister of Development Cooperation, Kingdom of Norway; Dr Elinor Ostrom, Nobel laureate; and Naina Lal Kidwai, Group General Manager and Country Head of the HSBC Group in India.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony, Dr R K Pachauri, said, "TERI University has made a rapid beginning in re-orienting higher education. We need to make a society which has a global vision, and this convocation programme is reflective of the vision. We need to ensure that students are embedded with a global vision, aspiration and inspiration. Higher education must be research based and here in the University, we ensure that students are driven to conduct research. We also welcome partnerships from across the globe and our expansion plans are underway."

Encouraging students to take up the cause of sustainability Dr Elinor Ostrom said, "Today we are faced with various environmental challenges. The environment has changed dramatically over the past few decades and the younger generation can make a substantial difference in preserving the global commons. It is up to the younger generation to adopt new methods and diagnostic approach in countering climate change and protect the commons." She further added, "I am humbled by the honour conferred upon me today."

Accepting his degree, HE James Alix Michel, President, Republic of Seychelles, said, "Today's occasion is of special significance and pride and is symbolic of our collaboration with India. Science will help us understand the dynamics of global commons. We at Seychelles appreciate the efforts taken by TERI and TERI University for their works and achievements. TERI University is an institution of higher learning and has shown exemplary leadership skills in being the change and spreading awareness about sustainable development."