By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 21 Dec: Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd), participated in the Second Convocation Ceremony of the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal, on Thursday.
On this occasion, the Governor, who is also Chancellor of the University, paid homage to the brave soldiers at the Shourya Wall by offering floral tributes.
Degrees were conferred upon 370 successful graduates of 2021, 2022, and 2023, including 7 gold medalists, who were given medals and certificates. The Governor inaugurated the university’s souvenir and released the yearbook.
Lt General Singh (Retd) paid tribute to the hero of the Peshawar incident, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali, and wished everyone success at the convocation ceremony. He stated that recognising the diversity and quality of local organic products, the demand would increase, both, nationally and internationally. He emphasized that 78 countries have recognised Millets, referring to it as “Shri Ann,” and encouraged students to recognise their capabilities, pursue positive thinking, and move forward with determination.
The Chancellor advised degree holders to face challenges with patience and determination in elevating their skills. He suggested engaging in research and exploration in the fields of agriculture and horticulture, seeing the future of Uttarakhand in these endeavors.
Additionally, the Chancellor mentioned the Prime Minister’s statement that the 21st century’s third decade would be Uttarakhand’s decade, emphasising increased responsibilities. He acknowledged agriculture as the foundation of life, health, and society and emphasised the use of modern technology in the fields of horticulture and agriculture. The Chancellor applauded India for becoming the world’s second-largest producer of horticultural crops.
The foundation stone for various projects, including the construction of academic buildings, offices, and auditoriums at the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Institute in Gairsain, was also laid, amounting to a total cost of Rs 2961.92 lakhs. The inauguration also included the unveiling of 6 projects with a cost of Rs 542.15 lakhs and the dedication of one project at a cost of Rs 111.65 lakhs for the Vaniki Mahavidyalaya in Ranichauri Tehri.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conveyed his congratulations virtually on this occasion. He highlighted the numerous possibilities for building the future in the fields of agriculture and horticulture and the state government’s commitment to related subjects. He urged all students to continue research and development activities in the state, emphasising Uttarakhand’s achievement as the first state to have Geographical Indicator (GI) tags for 27 products.
In conclusion, Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi extended congratulations to all, while the Vice-Chancellor Prof Pravendra Kaushal, briefed everyone on the college’s activities and academic achievements.
