Youth torchbearers of ‘Viksit Delhi’, says Rekha at IP College

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday attended the centenary celebrations of Indraprastha (IP) College for Women, hailing it as a symbol of women’s empowerment, education and national service. Marking the milestone, she also planted a sapling on the college campus, underlining the government’s focus on environmental conservation.

Addressing students, faculty and alumni at the historic Delhi University institution, CM Gupta praised the college’s legacy and said, “From education to nation-building, Indraprastha College students have led in every field. Together with today’s youth, we will pave the path to a ‘Viksit Delhi’.”

The CM highlighted the government’s commitment to education, pointing out that Rs 19,291 crore — 19.29 per cent of the total budget — had been allocated to the sector in the Viksit Delhi Budget-2025. “This investment reflects our belief that the road to national progress runs through the hands of the youth,” she said.

Recalling the college’s rich contributions to India’s freedom movement and social reforms, CM Gupta paid tribute to notable alumnae such as Sucheta Kriplani and Sarla Sharma whose leadership, she said, continued to inspire generations.

Speaking to mediapersons, she reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nine national pledges, including those related to water conservation, cleanliness and support for the underprivileged. “If our youth adopt these pledges sincerely, Delhi and India will scale new heights,” she said.

In a boost to the environment agenda, CM Gupta announced the launch of the ‘Paryavaran Rakshak’ initiative, under which citizens will be trained to become active contributors to ecological protection. She also shared that the government aimed to plant 70 lakh trees across the capital this year, with schools and social institutions playing a key role.