By Our Staff Reporter
Srinagar, 1 Dec: Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University celebrated its 8th convocation, here, today. This year, the convocation was conducted through online mode and the event broadcast live on social media (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter) and Doordarshan.
Union Education Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ was the Chief Guest and Dr Yogendra Narayan, Chancellor of the University, chaired the function. Professor DP Singh, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, was the distinguished guest.
This year, 155 students registered for online convocation, of which 72 students were awarded PhD, and as many as 59 gold medals were awarded to the toppers in various subjects. Fifteen gold medals were given by the sponsors.
This year, the theme of the convocation was “2020 Online Education and Resilience”, which is an overview of the university’s efforts to implement the formula of “Teaching, Learning and Skill Development – Towards a Himalayan Spirit”.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Annapurna Nautiyal delivered the Welcome Address. She disclosed that, at present, 79 departments are running in 11 schools in the three campuses of the university. She said that the setting up of the Indian Himalayan Central Universities’ Consortium (IHCUC) in 2020 to conduct five multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional thematic studies sponsored by NITI Aayog, New Delhi, was a great leap towards promote the idea of “One Himalaya” and “research with a human face”.
Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said that, this university, while entering its 47th year of existence, has continued its journey of progress even in the face of tough challenges and, in 2009, received the status of Central University.
He expressed the hope that the Indian Himalayan Central University Consortium (IHCUC) would evaluate the economic impact of women workers in the mountainous regions. He urged the Consortium to work on Agro-ecology of Himalayan States with special reference to marketing; Development of affordable and environmentally friendly tourism in hilly areas; Creation of employment opportunities for migration control from mountainous regions.
He urged the Himalayan Universities to undertake research in Hill Agriculture, Horticulture, Herb Production, Floriculture, Organic Agriculture, Eco-tourism, and Technology.
Dr Dhirendra Pratap Singh recalled his days as a student at HNB. Chancellor Dr Yogendra Narain thanked all those who participated in the ceremony.
Present on the occasion were Professor RC Ramola, Offline Convenor Professor YP Rehmani, Media Committee Convenor Professor MM Semwal, Prof RC Bhatt, Dak Rana, Rajendra Prasad, Professor PS Negi, Professor Indu Khanduri, Dr Pritam Singh Negi, Dr Naresh Rana, Dr Naresh Kumar, Prof Arun Bahuguna, Shweta Verma, Pradeep Mall, Himshikha Gusain, etc.
Prof NS Panwar, Registrar of the University, proposed the vote of thanks.
