Pantvarsity holds 37th Convocation
Garhwal Post Bureau
Pantnagar, 7 Apr: The 37th Convocation of the GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology was held today under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan.
Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) was the Chief Guest, while Member of Parliament, Nainital, Ajay Bhatt and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ganesh Joshi were present as Special Guests. Registrar Dr Deepa Vinay was also present on the dais.
In his address, Governor and University Chancellor Lt General Gurmit Singh highlighted the significance of the 37th convocation, describing it as a symbol of spirituality and fulfilment. Emphasising the concept of a “new era”, he spoke about the vision of a developed India, self-reliant India, and becoming a global leader. He noted that, in the 21st century, technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, cyber technology, and space science are rapidly transforming the world, making the role of youth extremely important. He praised the achievements of the university’s alumni, stating that they have established their identity globally and contributed to historic milestones such as the Green Revolution. He also appreciated the university’s work in honey, millets (Shri Anna), and the aroma sector, calling them important for health and agriculture. Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasised the importance of a balanced lifestyle and nutrition.
Addressing the students, he said they are no longer just degree holders but responsible citizens and future leaders. He encouraged them to become job creators rather than job seekers and to move forward in fields like start-ups, agri-business, and food processing. He also stressed on adopting the concepts of “lab to land” and “file to field”.
A total of 1,395 students were awarded degrees, and 36 meritorious students were honoured with gold, silver, and bronze medals. He described this achievement as a result of the collective efforts of students, parents, and teachers. Concluding his speech, he emphasised “Nation First” and inspired students to actively contribute to nation-building.
Minister Ganesh Joshi described Pantnagar Agricultural University as the foundation of India’s bright agricultural future. He said it is the sacred land that gave direction to the Green Revolution and made the country self-reliant in food grain production. He highlighted improved crop varieties developed by the university, such as Pant rice, wheat, maize, mustard, and soybean, which remain reliable for farmers nationwide. He mentioned farmer-friendly policies of the central and state governments and emphasised efforts to ensure that knowledge developed in laboratories reaches farmers directly. Praising the leadership of the Prime Minister, he noted that schemes like the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi are providing financial support to millions of farmers. He also referred to Uttarakhand government schemes such as the Chief Minister Farmer Welfare Scheme, Fruit Promotion Scheme, Organic Farming Scheme, and Micro Irrigation Scheme. Referring to the International Year of Millets 2023, he highlighted the growing importance of millets, noting that what was once considered food for the poor is now globally recognised as a nutritious diet. He added that Uttarakhand’s millets are among the best in quality and beneficial for diseases like diabetes. He also appreciated women empowerment through self-help groups and initiatives like “Lakhpati Didi”, emphasising efforts to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. Speaking about India’s global role, he said that, with the collective efforts of 1.4 billion citizens, India is becoming self-reliant and is also providing food assistance to other countries, calling this the identity of a “New India.” He concluded by urging students to use their knowledge and skills for nation-building and wished them a bright future.
MP Ajay Bhatt stated that excellent work is being done in the universities of Uttarakhand including Almora, Haldwani, and others, elevating India’s higher education system to new heights. He said Indian universities are gaining global recognition, which is a matter of pride. Addressing the students, he described the day as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Sharing his experience, he said receiving a degree is a lifelong memorable moment that marks the start of a new journey filled with dreams and aspirations. He described life as a cycle—from student to citizen to a guide for society—filled with responsibilities. Referring to the year 2047, when India will complete 100 years of independence, he said today’s youth will lead the country. Therefore, they must seriously consider key issues like population, agriculture, water management, environmental conservation, and rural development. He stressed that a strong India can only be built on strong villages. He noted India’s rapid progress, stating that the country is becoming one of the world’s leading economies. Along with being a leader in rice and milk production, India is also advancing rapidly in sectors like mobile manufacturing. He emphasised that these achievements are the result of continuous hard work and collective efforts, not luck. He encouraged students to adopt discipline, dedication, and time management for success. He urged them to maintain a healthy lifestyle, uphold truth and honesty, and practice the oath they have taken. He expressed confidence that students will bring pride to their parents, university, and country.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manmohan Singh Chauhan highlighted the university’s achievements, stating that it symbolises the historic land of the Green Revolution. He mentioned that renowned scientist Norman Borlaug recognised it as the birthplace of the Green Revolution. The university has been awarded the ICAR “Sardar Patel Outstanding Institution Award” three times. Over the past 66 years, the institution has made significant contributions in agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy production, veterinary sciences, and fisheries. So far, 46,643 students have been awarded degrees, and 361 improved varieties of different crops and other agricultural technologies have been developed. In 2025, the university secured the 209th rank in QS World Rankings. At the 17th Agricultural Science Congress held in February 2025, about 4,700 scientists including students and farmers participated and 90 delegates were from 16 countries. The university received approximately Rs 4.5 crore funding from ICAR for 2025–26, used for farmer training and scholarships. Currently, 4,882 students are enrolled. There are 324 ongoing research projects worth about Rs 83 crore. During this period, 348 research papers were published and 16 patents were filed, out of which 9 have been approved. Under agricultural extension, the university organised two major farmer fairs attended by over 50,000 farmers, distributed 7,000 quintals of seeds, and conducted 852 training programs. A total of 53 types of scholarships benefited 1,693 students. At the convocation, 1,395 students received degrees, including 731 male and 664 female students.
Registrar Dr Deepa Vinay conducted the proceedings and proposed the vote of thanks. On this occasion, Vice-Chancellors and dignitaries from various universities, including Dr Tripta Thakur from Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun, Prof Satpal Singh from Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Prof Naveen Chandra Lohani from Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani, and Prof Deewan Singh Rawat from Kumaun University, Nainital, along with Padma Shri awardee folk singer Dr Madhuri Barthwal, members of the university’s board of management and academic council, faculty, officers, staff, students, and senior officials from the state government and district administration were also present.
Student Mart inaugurated at Pantvarsity
Garhwal Post Bureau
Pantnagar, 7 Apr: The inauguration of the Student Mart at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology was carried out by the Chancellor and Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), here, today. On this occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Director, Research, Dr SK Verma, along with several senior officials and faculty members, were also present.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh said that such Student Marts encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among students and help them move towards self-reliance. He appreciated the quality and innovation of the products developed by the university.
On this occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof Manmohan Singh Chauhan stated that the university is continuously striving to connect students with practical education. He explained that the Student Mart will promote the display and marketing of products, thereby creating opportunities for self-employment. Director, Research, Dr S.K. Verma emphasised that value-added products play a significant role in making agriculture more profitable. He stressed the importance of promoting innovation-based entrepreneurship.
During the programme, an attractive exhibition of various value-added products developed by the university was organised at the Student Mart. These included dairy products such as ice cream, paneer, curd, khoa, buffalo ghee, kulfi, mandua (finger millet) lassi, as well as meat and chicken products and other processed items, all of which drew special attention from visitors.
Faculty of various departments and students of the university were also present on this occasion. The initiative was described as an important step towards skill development, innovation, and self-reliance.
