35th Foundation Day of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni celebrated

Nauni (Himachal Pradesh), December 1, 2019: The 35th Foundation Day of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni was celebrated at the University premises on Sunday. Minister for Forest, Transport, Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Gobind Singh Thakur was the Chief Guest, while Solan MLA Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil was the Guest of Honour. Dr Jagmohan Singh and Dr HC Sharma, former Vice-Chancellors of the University, Dr Ashok Kumar Sarial, VC HPKV Palampur, Dr PK Khosla, VC Shoolini University and Purushottam Guleria, Vice- Chairman, Khadi Board also attended the celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gobind Singh Thakur lauded the role of the university in the development of several varieties and technologies in the horticulture and forestry sector, which has enabled these sectors to flourish in the state. He said that the technologies developed by the university will be adopted by the forest department in a phased manner. The Forest Minister added that the participation of the university will be ensured in the important policy meetings of the forest department and its projects so that the expertise of the university can be utilized. Shri Thakur added that the forest department and the university will work towards exploring the immense eco-tourism opportunities in the university. Addressing the students, the Forest Minister urged the students to take failure in their stride and come out in flying colours. He also announced a grant of Rs 1 crore for strengthening the sports stadium of the university and assured to look into the demand of electric buses for the university. Earlier, Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur and Horticulture Minister Shri Mahender Singh Thakur send their video messages for the Foundation Day. While welcoming the Chief Guest, Vice-Chancellor Dr Parvinder Kaushal said that university has grown by leaps and bounds in the past three decades. He said that the university is committed to the development of horticulture and forestry sector in the state. Dr Kaushal read out the progress report of the university and informed the gathering that a Skill Development Center for upgrading the skills of the farmers and students had been set up in the campus. Stressing on the need to reach the farmer’s field, Dr Kaushal said that the students of the university will be attached to one farming household and will also undertake research on those problems which are faced by the farmers. He added that the university will be putting sustained efforts towards meeting the demand of quality planting material and seeds of the farmers. Dr Dhani Ram Shandil spoke about the important role of forests and the need for water harvesting while all the Vice-Chancellors also shared their experiences during the event. An exhibition on various technologies and varieties developed by the university was also displayed on the occasion. Five books were also released on the occasion. The chief guest also gave away the prizes of Brand Ambassadors, alumni of the university who have been successful in their respective field. Several progressive farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, scientists, staff, and students were also awarded on the occasion.