Himachal Pradesh University celebrated its 44th Foundation Day here today. Governor and chancellor of university Urmila Singh, while speaking at the occasion, said that youth were assets for the society and educational institutions should focus upon channelizing their energy towards constructive purposes. She was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three day long, 44th Foundation Day Celebrations of Himachal Pradesh University here today.

Governor said that only responsible citizens make a strong nation and the responsibility of making good and able citizens lay upon the educational institutions especially universities, which are centres for higher learning. She said that instilling good values like honesty, discipline, sense of patriotism, compassion for mankind were the prime objectives of imparting education to students and if they lack in these qualities, purpose of education fails.

She said that students should be sensitized about various important social and other issues and motivated to serve the poor and downtrodden sections of the society. Leadership qualities should be inculcated in them so that they grow up as good leaders who can guide the society and nation on the path of progress.

Underlining the importance of role of teachers in shaping the career of students, Singh said that teachers are considered to be role models of students therefore they should set good examples and inspire students to become good human beings alongwith achieving professional excellence. She said that only good human beings become good professionals.

Governor said that Foundation day is a day meant for deep introspection of the past activities and future strategies. She urged the University authorities, teachers and employees to introspect upon their achievements during the previous year and chalk out an appropriate strategy for the coming year in order to perform better in future.

Singh also congratulated the University authorities for taking steps for implementing vision 2020 and making efforts to introduce professional courses which would ensure employment to the youth.

Governor also released University newsletter Him shikhar, Souvenir and other books on various academic subjects brought out by the faculties.

Janardan Dwivedi, MP Rajya Sabha delivered a special lecture on ‘Education, Technology, Language and Mankind’ on the occasion of Foundation Day of HPU.

Prof K.P. Paroha of Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Delhi recited Sanskrit shlokas on the occasion. Prof A D N Vajpayee, Vice Chancellor welcomed the Governor and other distinguished guests. Prof Suresh Kumar read out the report of the achievements of the university. Prof Mohan Jharta, Registrar proposed vote of thanks.

Prof Pankaj K Singh, Chairperson English department, Prof TC Bhalla, Chairman Department of Bio-technology were honoured by conferring outstanding achievement awards, Yograj Thakur Senior Assistant was also honoured for his distinguished services by the Vice Chancellor in the presence of the Governor.

Deputy Mayor Tikendra Pawar, prominent persons of the town, teaching faculties, students and employees of the university were present on the occasion.