Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
Pantnagar, Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant was remembered with reverence at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, on the occasion of his 139th birth anniversary. The programme was organized at the NAHEP Campus.
At the beginning of the programme, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Shivendra Kumar Kashyap, along with the Registrar, Deans of Colleges, Directors, faculty members, students and employees, paid floral tributes and garlanded the statue of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Shivendra Kumar Kashyap said that Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant played a significant and pioneering role in the establishment of the University. He said that the establishment of the University at Pantnagar in 1960 was inspired by Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant’s vision and efforts. At a time when the country was looking for a new institutional model for higher education and research in agriculture, his efforts laid the foundation for the establishment of the University at Pantnagar.
Dr. Kashyap said that Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant had a towering and inspiring personality. Beginning his life journey in a small village, he established a distinguished identity at the national level. His life demonstrates that with ability, determination and a strong will to achieve, a person can overcome challenges and move forward.
The Vice-Chancellor said that the University, established under the inspiration and vision of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, continues to progress and maintain its relevance in the fields of agricultural education, research and extension while addressing contemporary challenges. He emphasized that Pantnagar University remains committed to carrying forward the vision and foundational objectives of its founder.
He said that in the changing times and amid emerging challenges, the University must continue to move forward without deviating from its core direction, drawing inspiration from the ideals and values of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant. He added that the birth anniversary of Pandit Pant provides an important opportunity to reconnect with his life and contributions and preserve his cherished memories.
Highlighting the significance of the statue of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, Dr. Kashyap informed that it was created by renowned sculptor Shri Ram V. Sutar. He said that just as Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant demonstrated his relevance and capabilities throughout his life, Pantnagar University is also continuously establishing its relevance in a rapidly changing environment. The University, inspired by the ideals of its founder, will continue to advance in the fields of education, research, extension and socially relevant initiatives.
As part of the University’s commitment to social responsibility and livestock conservation, an important initiative was also undertaken for establishing a Cattle Conservation Centre on 65 acres of land in the Haldi area. Bhoomi Pujan for the proposed centre, located near Haldi Railway Station, was performed on the occasion of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant’s birth anniversary.
The Vice-Chancellor said that the initiative reflects the University’s social responsibility and commitment towards livestock conservation. He expressed confidence that the University would continue to move forward with the same commitment, drawing inspiration from the ideals and vision of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant.
On the occasion, messages from Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Cabinet Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj were read out before the gathering by the Deans of various Colleges of the University.
