Shimla, Apr 18(UNI) The President of India, Droupdi Murmu on Wednesday said that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to develop scientific temper and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
She told the graduating students that while entering a new phase of life they should connect their individual goals with the national goals and contribute to the development of the country by marching forward in their chosen fields.

She said this while addressing the 26th convocation of Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla today.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that since its inception in 1970, Himachal Pradesh University has played a very important role in the field of higher education. The alumni of this University have left their mark in various fields including arts, medical, judiciary, sports, social service, politics and administration.

The President said that the climate of Himachal Pradesh attracts people from across the world. This region of the Himalayas is rich in fauna and flora. But climate change is affecting the ecology of this region also. It is need of hour to move forward together towards the goal of sustainable development while conserving the rich natural heritage of the state. Therefore, it is the duty of institutions like Himachal Pradesh University to promote research and innovation keeping in mind the needs of the local community and the ecological challenges of the region and contribute in eco-friendly development.

The President said that the youth of our country are making a mark across the world with their talent. Many of them have established start-ups and set great examples of success. Innovation is the main element of these start-ups. She was happy to note that Himachal Pradesh University has taken initiative to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among youth by setting up Incubation Centers.

The President of India presented Gold Medals to 10 meritorious students including seven girls during the 26th Annual Convocation of Himachal Pradesh University Shimla in a simple but impressive function held in the Auditorium of the University at Shimla today.

The President also addressed the Convocation function on the occasion and acknowledged the efforts of the University for providing quality education.

As many as 99 Students were given Ph. D. degrees including 59 females and 40 males and 111 Gold medals were presented to 34 males and 77 females.

While congratulating all the degree holders and gold medalists, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who is also a Chancellor of the University, said that it was a matter of pride for all of us that this convocation ceremony is being organized in the august presence of President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. He said that it was an important occasion in the life of the students studying in this institution, when they were starting the journey of life to give it a practical form after completing their formal education.

Congratulating the University authorities, the Governor said that it was a matter of great pride that the National Assessment and Accreditation Council have once again granted 'A' grade accreditation to this University. He added that HP University is a prestigious institute imparting higher education and students from India as well as abroad were pursuing their higher studies and research work here.

Shukla said that HP University has a glorious past and the students who have passed from this university were rendering their outstanding services in different fields in the country and the world thereby bringing laurels to the State as well as the country. He said that India is rapidly becoming a strong nation globally and we were moving forward with a strong and stable economy. The whole world is looking towards India as it is emerging as a superpower, he said.

Expressing concern over the illegal trade of drugs in Himachal Pradesh, he said that there was a need to launch a mass movement against this menace by taking students and youth along with them. “Today, India is proud to preside over the world's leading prosperous G-20 countries. The concept of ‘One Earth- One Family- One Future’ was not built in a day. It reflects in our thoughts, our nature”, said the Governor. He said that our Universities should impart such thoughts to carry our traditions and culture beyond boundaries.

He said that today was an important day for every student as they were going to join an open society with a degree under their belt. He added that education was a life-long process and degree holders were now ready to step in for practical learning outside the campus. He also lauded the University for meeting the objectives of National Education Policy.

While speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu greeted the students for their stupendous achievements in education and said that it was a moment of happiness for us that the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu had arrived in Devbhoomi, Himachal Pradesh and graced the convocation function of Himachal Pradesh University. He said that such programs motivate the students to excel in their life and encourage them to serve the Nation with dedication.

The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh University was his alma mater and recalled the memories of his student life. He also highlighted the rich history of the University and said that many laurels had been brought to the State by its students in various fields.

The Chief Minister also praised the authorities of the University for maintaining the best educational atmosphere, adding that 'A' grade given by NAAC again, is a testament to the quality of education it provides to its students besides other co-curricular activities. He assured that the State Government would extend all possible cooperation and assistance to upgrade more facilities for the students and the teaching faculty.

He applauded the University for actively participating in national campaigns and undertaking various educational and awareness activities to ensure that the benefits of education are percolated down to every section of society. He said that the State Government was committed to successfully implement the National Education Policy-2020 and hoped that the University would play an important role to meet its objectives.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of honesty in the life of the students and how it is the key to success. He reminded the students that learning is a lifelong process and said that they should continue to attain the knowledge even after completing their formal education.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the students to perform their duties and responsibilities towards the country and society with full honesty and integrity and learn from their mistakes as they move forward in life.

The Chief Minister said that he has spent the precious eight years of his life in this University. He said that it is a matter of pride for Himachal Pradesh that National BJP President Shri J.P. Nadda had also been a student of this University.

The Governor honoured the President by presenting a Himachali cap and shawl while the Chief Minister presented a memento to the President on the occasion.

Vice Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University Prof. S.P Bansal welcomed the President and other dignitaries and read out the progress report of the University. He said that concerted efforts have been made to implement National Education Policy in the University.

The Vice Chancellor also honoured the Governor, Chief Minister, Education Minister Rohit Thakur and MP, Suresh Kashyap on the occasion.

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