Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau
Pantnagar। In the auditorium of the College of Agriculture, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Shivendra Kumar Kashyap, addressed the faculty members of the College of Agriculture. He emphasized the overall development of the university and colleges, strengthening the research culture, promoting student achievement, and strengthening institutional collaboration. He stated that strengthening the advisor-advisee system is essential to make the academic, professional, and personal development of students more effective. Establishing a strong relationship between faculty and students will not only improve the academic environment but also strengthen students’ self-confidence, leadership abilities, and personality development. To this end, at least one advisory meeting will be held for each undergraduate student once a fortnight. These meetings will discuss students’ academic performance, attendance, exam results, behavior, skill development, internships, soft skills, research interests, and future career prospects. Students will also be encouraged to openly share their personal and professional problems so that appropriate solutions and guidance can be provided in a timely manner.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that in today’s times, students need not only curriculum-based education but also mental support, career counseling, and personality development.
He stated that the university’s objective is not merely to provide degrees, but to prepare capable, innovative, and self-reliant youth who can make significant contributions to society and nation-building. A strong advisor-advisor system will inculcate discipline, responsibility, and leadership skills in students and help them obtain better opportunities for higher education, competitive examinations, research, entrepreneurship, and employment.
On this occasion, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need to establish Centers of Excellence, modern laboratories, coordination between industry and academia, and promote research projects. Particular emphasis was placed on engaging students with practical training, startup culture, agriculture-based entrepreneurship, and innovation-based activities.
The meeting also discussed a roadmap for developing the College of Agriculture as a “model college.” The objective of this model is to promote research and projects that directly benefit both farmers and students. Emphasis was placed on developing practical and technology-based solutions to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
He also suggested developing a modern “Data Storage and Research Management System” at the university, which would preserve digital records of all research work, publications, projects, and innovations. This would enhance the quality, transparency, and utility of research, and ensure easy access to critical information for future researchers.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of planning for the proper use of university land and better resource management. The Vice-Chancellor stated that every inch of the university’s land is crucial and should be effectively utilized for activities such as education, research, agricultural innovation, and income generation. This requires developing business models, establishing agriculture-based enterprises, and promoting institutional networking.
Research publications, student achievements, collaborations with industries, and long-term institutional partnerships will further strengthen the university’s national and international standing. He also stated that positive change in the education system can be brought about through continuous dialogue and collaboration between faculty, alumni, and various institutions.
The main objective of the Vice Chancellor’s address was to prepare the university for future challenges and pave the way for new possibilities in the fields of education, research, and innovation.
At the beginning of the program, Dr. Ranjan Srivastava, Professor, welcomed the Vice Chancellor. Dr. Subhash Chandra, Dean of the College of Agriculture, expressed his gratitude to the Vice Chancellor.
