Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau.
The 66th University Foundation Day was celebrated today with full enthusiasm by Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar at Gandhi Hall. The programme was graced by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Manmohan Singh Chauhan. The event commenced with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony followed by the University Song.
On this occasion, the distinguished missile scientist Prof. Arun Kumar Tiwari—co-author of the renowned book Wings of Fire with former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, author of several books, and recipient of the 4A Life Achievement Award–2022—delivered the “Govind Ballabh Pant Memorial Lecture” in virtual mode.
Prof. Tiwari presented his insightful views on the topic “The New Green Frontier: Integrating Biology, Engineering, and AI for a Sustainable Future.” He mentioned about two hallmarks, namly achievements of women in various fields and the use of Artificial Intelligence in various sectors. He emphasized the extensive applications of AI across scientific disciplines, especially agriculture, to enhance food production, improve nutritional outputs, and combat emerging environmental challenges.
Before the lecture, Dr. R.C. Srivastava, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, presented a brief biography of Prof. Tiwari.
In his address, Chief Guest Prof. Manmohan Singh Chauhan extended heartfelt greetings to everyone on the 66th Foundation Day of the University. He expressed gratitude to all former Vice-Chancellors for their significant contributions. He also thanked Prof. Tiwari for his valuable lecture on such an important and timely subject.
Prof. Chauhan spoke about the crucial role played by Pantnagar University, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana in making India self-reliant in food production. Amidst shrinking resources and growing environmental challenges, he called upon faculty members and students to pursue innovation-driven research. He stressed the need to develop new products and technologies, ensure their commercialization, and effectively transfer these innovations to farmers in a timely manner.
He added that, as the country’s first agricultural university, Pantnagar carries the greatest responsibility, and excellence in teaching, research, and extension must be upheld with strict discipline and commitment, without any compromise.
On this occasion, Registrar Dr. Deepa Vinay and Dr. Salil Tiwari, Vice-President-II, 4A, also shared their views.
Dr. Anil Yadav, Chief Coordinator and Secretary, 4A presented details of various events organized during 11–17 November 2025 as part of the Foundation Day Week celebrations. He also shared that alumni from different batches have promised to contribute approximately Rs. 22 lakh for student scholarships.
During the Foundation Day Week, the Third Inter-Collegiate University Debate Competition was held in both Hindi and English Languages. The College of Technology was awarded the Champion Trophy in both by the Chief Guest. Winning students participating in both languages were also felicitated with certificates and trophies.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. A.S. Jeena, Dean Student Welfare and Vice President-I, 4A who expressed gratitude to everyone for their contribution to the success of the Foundation Day celebrations organized by 4A. The event was attended by university scientists, deans, directors, faculty members, alumni, students and staff.
