Himalayas meet Bengaluru: Colleges sign landmark agreement for national integration

In a significant move to promote national integration and inter-regional cooperation, Government College, Sangrah, in Himachal Pradesh has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ramaiah College of Law, Bengaluru, Karnataka. This academic partnership, forged under the National Harmony Initiative, is aimed at fostering collaboration in education, culture and community development, connecting two diverse institutions from the foothills of the Himalayas and the southern metropolitan landscape of Bengaluru.

Government College, Sangrah, is located in the remote Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur district, an area known for its difficult terrain and limited access to higher educational resources. Despite its geographical isolation, the college has taken a progressive step by entering into this partnership with one of South India’s leading legal education institutions. The initiative is expected to open new avenues for academic exchange, cultural enrichment and social outreach for students and faculty from both colleges.

A delegation of 27 students and three faculty members from Ramaiah College of Law — including Prof Vrinda Balaji (Chairperson, Undergraduate Council), Prof Gyanavi Bopayya, and Prof Basavarajayya — visited Government College, Sangrah, to mark the occasion. The visitors were welcomed with traditional Himachali hospitality by Principal Dr Meenu Bhaskar and her team, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural connection and academic commitment.

The event featured performances of Sirmauri folk songs and the traditional Nati dance by students from the college’s Music Department. These presentations offered the guests an immersive experience of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Prof Kavita Chauhan spoke about the legacy of Sirmaur’s folk traditions, while the women faculty members, dressed in traditional attire, enhanced the cultural authenticity of the celebration. Prof Ambara Devi’s address in the local dialect further deepened the sense of connection and respect between the two institutions.

The MoU was formally signed by Dr Meenu Bhaskar and Dr Jagdish Chand (IQAC Coordinator) from Government College, Sangrah, and by Prof Vrinda Balaji and Prof Gyanavi Bopayya on behalf of Ramaiah College of Law. The agreement outlines cooperation in community service projects, legal awareness drives, academic seminars and workshops, cultural exchange programmes and collaborative learning initiatives — all designed to build mutual understanding and shared growth.

In her address, Dr Meenu Bhaskar highlighted the significance of such a collaboration for an institution based in a remote region. “This partnership brings the world closer to our students. It enables us to share our heritage while learning from others. It’s a proud moment for Sangrah and the Trans-Giri belt.”

The National Harmony Initiative is a nationwide effort aimed at reinforcing India’s core value of “Unity in Diversity” by connecting educational institutions across regions. It promotes cross-cultural dialogue, academic collaboration and youth engagement to build bridges of understanding between communities separated by geography but united in purpose.

This collaboration stands as a shining example of how institutions, even in the most remote parts of the country, can take the lead in promoting national unity, educational excellence, and cultural pride — contributing meaningfully to the collective journey of a more integrated and inclusive India.