Convocation of Gujarat Forensic Sciences University

Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, engaged in teaching and research in different areas of Forensic Sciences, is first of its kind super specialised university in the world, which was started with an aim to provide education of international standards to the students in the area of forensic science, criminology, behavioural science and other allied subjects, has successfully completed three years. There is an acute need of forensic experts in the world and to cater to the needs of the country and the world, the university’s important courses are: Masters in Forensic Science, Masters in Forensic Pharmacy, Master in Forensic Nanotechnology, Masters in Digital Forensics, Masters in Forensic Psychology, etc. GFSU also has some PG Diploma Courses in various areas of forensic science and have quite numbers of students who are doing PhD in different areas; three students have already been awarded PhD degrees by the university. GFSU also has a separate placement cell to take care of the placements of the students after their education. GFSU has established an international co-ordination cell to handle all affairs related to international areas of the university and made agreements with almost 20 institutes of international and national repute for joint research and academic activities in this area.

“A strong forensic science setup helps in ensuring civic safety, and curbing crime, much the same way as an efficient police force and an effective judiciary”, said by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while attending fourth convocation of Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) ceremony in Gandhinagar on Thursday August 23, 2018. Prime Minister complimented GFSU for creating an international human resource pool in the fields of criminal investigation and justice delivery and appreciated that the University is playing a decisive role in global security, through its training and education.

“In today’s times, the means and ways a criminal or law offender is using, it is important that person is made to feel that if he does something wrong, he will eventually be apprehended by the law. The scare of being caught and of being proven guilty in court will help in curbing unlawful activities. This is where the role of forensic science becomes important. Surety of punishment gives more strength to the credibility of our judicial system,” Modi said praising GFSU in his convocational address and highlighted that:

• Police, forensic science and judiciary are integral parts of criminal justice delivery system.
• Greater technological intervention in forensic science can help tackle challenges of cyber security.
• In order to deal with rapidly changing crime scenario we have to develop newer techniques to make it clear that criminals will not be spared.

Prime Minister described GFSU and its students as pioneers and appreciated the students for their persistence in selecting a stream that is conventionally believed to be unconventional, but is highly important for today’s age. He said that these traits of self-belief and determination will help the students in times to come.

He spoke at length about the challenge of cyber-crime, and the importance of strengthening forensics and cyber forensic labs in this context, stating, “Criminals and ways of committing crime are constantly changing. In order to deal with rapidly changing crime scenario, you also have to develop newer techniques to make it clear that criminals will not be spared.”

He urged forensic experts to use DNA profiling to assist the judicial system, stating, “DNA profiling has established new dimensions in forensic investigation. With the help of this technology, many such cases have been resolved which would otherwise remain unsolved. I call upon forensic experts to help the judicial system by using DNA profiling as much as possible so that culprits get punished immediately and the victims get justice.”

Looking at the importance of DNA technology in forensic investigation, the government has approved the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018. Through this bill, it will be ensure that all DNA tests remain reliable and the data is safe. The Government has also decided to strengthen DNA analysis labs in all the States and Union Territories. A State of the Art lab under the Nirbhaya scheme is being established at Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Chandigarh.

Prime Minister called upon the students to be at the centre of changing trends across the globe, exhorting them to drive some of the progressive changes that make our world a better place. He wished all the graduating students a bright and vibrant future and expressed confidence that in the coming times, we will be able to deter the heinous crimes, including the crimes committed on women, speedily and accurately.