Kathmandu University Vice-chancellor Prof Ram Kantha Makaju Shrestha has asked graduates to believe in their power, capacity and behaviour for national development, rather than pointing fingers at others for Nepal’s current difficult situation.

Speaking at the 21st convocation ceremony of the university in Dhulikhel on Tuesday, the VC pointed out four factors that he deemed responsible for the current state of underdevelopment in Nepal. First, the academic community had not lived up to the expectations.

Second, the Nepalis had erred in their attitude of making excuses and always finding someone to blame. Third, the people had erred in their culture of not being able to work collaboratively. Fourth, leaders of Nepali society cared more for cheap popularity than wiser and consolidated achievements.

As many as 1,243 graduates received their academic degrees at the ceremony.