Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has called upon the Vice Chancellors of various universities of the state to prepare a comprehensive road map to make the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence memorable.The Governor was presiding over a meeting with the Vice Chancellors of Himachal Pradesh University Shimla, Agricultural University Palampur, Horticulture University Nauni, Technical University Hamirpur, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Cluster University Mandi and Atal Medical Science and Research University, Himachal Pradesh at Raj Bhavan today.He said that the country was going to celebrate the Amrit Mahotsav of freedom and the universities should decide how they could contribute in it. He asked the universities to prepare and send him the outline so that the festival could be given a comprehensive look.The Governor said that the society has many expectations from the teachers as they always were in conversation way with the society. They interact with the students on a daily basis, which is rarely seen in other professions.He said that every province and village level of Himachal has a distinct identity and during the celebrations of the Amrit Mahotsav, we should move forward with a concept like 'One Village, One Product to promote their identity and heritage.
Expressing concern over the increasing trend of drug addiction and natural calamities in the state, the Governor appealed for contribution at the university level on both the issues. He said that concerted efforts should be made against drug abuse to save our future generations. He said that the recent natural calamity in Kinnaur was tragic and we need to take effective steps so that such incidents were not repeated in future. He stressed on setting up of a joint committee of universities on natural calamities to prepare action plan, which would be sent to the state government.He said that during the Amrit Mahotsav, the participation of every college affiliated to the universities would be ensured and every student would be involved in various activities. He also stressed on starting NCC in all the colleges of the state.The Vice Chancellors apprised the Governor about the outline of various activities for the successful organization of Amrit Mahotsav. They also gave their suggestions.Vice Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University Shimla Prof. Sikandar Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Agricultural University, Palampur Prof. HK Choudhary, Vice Chancellor of Horticulture University Nauni Prof. Parvinder Kaushal, Vice Chancellor of Technical University Hamirpur Anupam Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Cluster University Mandi Dr. CL Chandan and Vice Chancellor of Atal Medical and Research University Dr. Surendra Kashyap attended the meeting.Secretary to the Governor Priyatu Mandal and Registrars of these universities were also present on the occasion.