HPU to scale down Foundation Day event amid disaster in state

In light of the recent natural disasters that have ravaged Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) will observe its 56th Foundation Day on July 22 with a modest, research-oriented programme, foregoing its usual two-day celebratory events.

Traditionally marked by grand two-day festivities, the university has decided to limit this year’s observance to a single-day event focused solely on academics and research, in solidarity with those affected by torrential rains and subsequent calamities across the state.

Vice-Chancellor Mahavir Singh met with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday to formally invite them to the event. He stated that in view of the recent devastation in many parts of the state, the university community believes it is appropriate to keep the celebrations low-key.

As part of the academic agenda for the day, five newly established research centres at the university will be formally inaugurated. The event will also feature the signing of academic and research-related memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with multiple national and international institutions and agencies, aiming to enhance the university’s global academic collaborations.

In a gesture of empathy and support, HPU’s teaching and non-teaching staff have unanimously decided to donate two days’ salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, demonstrating the university’s commitment to community welfare during this time of crisis.