Quality education key to better future: Himachal ex-CM Jai Ram
The former chief minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday said quality-based education, and not merely literacy, would define the future.
He was speaking as the chief guest on the concluding day of the 16th Foundation Day celebrations at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh in Dharamsala on Thursday. Thakur said the university was being developed across two campuses due to land constraints. He said discussions had been held with the Prime Minister regarding the inauguration of the Dehra Campus in March and that construction of the second campus would begin once Rs 30 crore was deposited by the state government. The university calendar and newsletters were formally released on the occasion.
Interacting with students and academicians, Thakur described the university as a strong pillar of higher education in the state. He said the institution was playing a key role in shaping the future of Himachal’s youth through research, innovation and quality education.
He termed the university’s growth a “boon” for the region and extended his best wishes for its continued progress, while underlining the importance of strengthening educational infrastructure for the state’s long-term development.
Teachers were also honoured in various categories. Dr Janmejay Guleria was accorded a special honour for composing the university anthem. Students who excelled in Hindi Day activities, sports competitions and fine arts exhibitions were also felicitated.
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof Sat Prakash Bansal said land has been acquired for the Dehra campus of the Central University after consultations with 295 families and that around 50 hectares of additional land will be acquired in the near future. He said that construction work in the Jadrangal campus would also commence soon.
He said that a Rs 85-crore grant had been approved under the Sarthi Scheme to focus on education, skill development and socio-economic empowerment for different groups, ranging from students to farmers.
He said online courses in five disciplines, including MBA, MCA, history and social sciences, had been launched by the university. “The university has registered 56 patents, constructed an international hostel at the Dehra campus and signed an MoU with the University of Pennsylvania (USA),” he added.
