Yamunanagar: Speakers demand Bharat Ratna for Jagannath Kapur

DAV College for Girls, Yamunanagar, organised a commemorative programme to mark the 117th birth anniversary of Jagannath Kapur, the founder of DAV educational institutions in Yamunanagar. Chairman of DAV Schools, Vijay Kapur, attended the programme as the chief guest.

Former Professor Dr Asha Kapur was the guest of honour, while Dr MC Sharma, Honorary Treasurer of the DAV College Managing Committee, New Delhi, presided over the function. The programme began with the offering of floral tributes Jagannath Kapur.

Addressing the gathering, Vijay Kapur described Jagannath Kapur as a visionary educationist and social reformer. He said that through the establishment of DAV institutions, Jagannath Kapur played a pivotal role in transforming Yamunanagar into a prominent centre of education.

He added that institutions such as DAV Girls College, DAV Dental College, DAV Physiotherapy College and several DAV schools reflected his farsighted vision.

Vijay Kapur said that nearly 65 years ago, when the national literacy rate was around 25 per cent, Jagannath Kapur practically implemented the concept of women’s education. He ensured free education for refugees and economically weaker sections in line with the spirit of the Right to Education, thereby promoting social inclusion and equality.

Referring to the Nobel Prize awarded to economist Abhijit Banerjee for highlighting the importance of women’s education in national development, Vijay Kapur said Jagannath Kapur had implemented this philosophy decades earlier. He urged the Government of India to honour Jagannath Kapur with the country’s highest civilian award — Bharat Ratna.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr MC Sharma supported the demand and said that Jagannath Kapur’s contribution to women’s education would be remembered for generations.

Officiating Principal of the college, Dr Surinder Kaur, said that Jagannath Kapur’s struggle for the right to education under adverse social circumstances was highly inspirational and that his legacy continued through the dedicated service of his son, Vijay Kapur.

Dr Kiran Sharma, Head of the Hindi Department, remarked that the life of Jagannath Kapur stood as a shining example of selfless service to society and called upon people to follow his ideals.

The programme was conducted by NCC in-charge Major Geeta Sharma. Dr Himanshu, Principal of DAV Physiotherapy College, along with all staff members of the college, were present on the occasion.