Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
Established in 1960 on Land Grant Pattern of the USA, the First Agriculture University of India, the Harbinger of Green Revolution Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar celebrated its 65th Foundation Day for a week period starting from 11th November to 17th November 2024 with full enthusiasm. A number of academic and cultural programme were organized. The closing ceremony of the Foundation Day celebration was organized on 17th November 2024 in Gandhi Hall auditorium of the University, which was attended by about 800 and 100 faculty members. The occasion was graced by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Manmohan Singh Chauhan as the Chief Guest and Dr. S.K. Agrawal, ICARDA- Regional Coordinator for South Asia and China as the Guest of Honour. The dais was shared by Dr. Deepa Vinay, Registrar, Dr. A.S. Jeena, DSW, Dr. J.P. Jaiswal, Director of Communications, and Secretary of the Alumni Association (4A) and the Nodal Officer for the 65th Foundation Day celebration.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Dr. Manmohan Singh Chauhan stated that it is the thinking and hard work of the scientists and students that has kept the university’s reputation alive. He praised the university’s scientists for their continuous efforts in conducting new research and developing new techniques and varieties of different crops. He also acknowledged the role of the students in taking the university to greater heights. Dr. Chauhan urged the scientists and researchers to focus on innovation using modern technologies like AI, Machine Learning etc. He emphasized the need to develop new technologies, tools, and techniques for the benefit of farmers. Furthermore, he encouraged the university’s scientists to engage in research in the field of information technology. He also suggested that scientists of KVKs to conduct effective trainings and demonstrations of new technologies to enhance the income of the farmers. Dr. Chauhan while echoing the Three-P (Production/Technology, Patent and Publication) concept, he admired the efforts of Dr. J.P. Mishra, CEO of IPMC for filing 109 patents out of which 38 have been granted. He expressed his gratitude for his selfless service by offering a certificate of appreciation and memento. He called for a team work without any discrimination for the progress of the university.
Guest of Honour Dr. S.K. Agrawal shared his experiences and discussed the challenges faced by the agricultural sector due to climate change and lack of infrastructure particularly a post harvest losses in perishable commodities. He highlighted the impotence of digitization in agriculture and use of AI, Machine Learning and other innovative technologies. The event also featured former students and alumni such as Er. M.K. Agrawal and Dr. J.P. Mishra who shared their experiences since the university’s establishment. University Registrar Dr. Deepa Vinay highlighted how alumni of the university have occupied prominent positions not only in India but also abroad, contributing to the university’s name and fame. Dr. J.P. Jaiswal welcomed the guest and presented the highlights of events organized during the 65th Foundation week celebration.
On this occasion selected meritorious students were honoured with awards and scholarships. The Alumni Almamater Advancement Association (4A) gave away awards in the name of Professor Gajendra Singh All-Round Student Best Award, Vijay K. Singh Go For Gold Award (10), Asha Kiran Scholarship, 1972 Agriculture Batch Scholarship, Dr. Gopal Singh Rawat Agriculture Scholarship, and Dr. Deep C. Kaushal Memorial Award. The office of the Dean of Student Welfare honoured students with Amit Gautam Memorial Award, Dr. V.N. Mathur, Dr. Santosh Kumar Sharma, Vimla Rani Memorial Award, Varun Panwar Memorial Award, Prinyanka Pathak Scholarship and Merit Scholarship for Agriculture Engineering. Certificates were also given to the winners of debate in Hindi and English and Championship Trophy. Dean of Student Welfare, Dr. A.S. Jeena thanked all dignitaries for their participation in the event. The program was attended by the students, university scientists, Deans of colleges, Directors, faculty members, alumni and staff.
