SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Governor and Chancellor of State Universities Kavinder Gupta on Tuesday announced the constitution of the Chancellor’s Inter-University Viksit Bharat-2047 Council/Task Force to bring universities across the State on a common platform and promote coordinated efforts towards the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The announcement was made during a meeting of Vice-Chancellors of universities in Himachal Pradesh chaired by the Governor at Lok Bhavan, Shimla.
Gupta directed universities to prepare a 100-day roadmap within 10 days for promoting innovation and best practices in their respective institutions. He also asked them to share successful initiatives with other universities so that collective efforts could contribute to the development of Himachal Pradesh and the country.
The Governor said India was moving ahead with the resolve of Viksit Bharat@2047 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The vision of Viksit Bharat is not confined to economic progress; it is about building an India that leads the world in knowledge, innovation, skills, self-reliance, social harmony and human values,” Gupta said.
Youth Participation, Inter-University Collaboration Stressed
Emphasising the role of young people, Gupta called for greater student participation in the activities of the Council/Task Force.
He also urged universities to collaborate with higher educational institutions in neighbouring States to learn from and adopt successful practices.
The Governor said the Council/Task Force would hold quarterly meetings, to be organised on a rotational basis among universities, and stressed that the mechanism should remain action-oriented and be regularly reviewed.
He nominated Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, as the coordinating university for the Task Force, with responsibility for facilitating its functioning and inter-university coordination.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, academic reforms and sharing of best practices, besides fostering coordination among universities, government, industry, experts, students and other stakeholders.
Link Research With Farmers, Rural Livelihoods
Gupta called upon agricultural and horticulture universities to develop quality nurseries and make improved seeds and medicinal plants available to farmers.
He stressed the need to link university research with rural livelihoods and practical economic benefits.
The Governor also advocated greater student exposure through educational tours, interaction with experts, inter-university sports activities, organised tourism initiatives and practical training in collaboration with industries.
Universities Must Join Fight Against Drug Abuse
Expressing concern over drug abuse among youth, Gupta said universities should become active partners in the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign.
He called for greater emphasis on awareness, counselling, sports, fitness, cultural activities and positive youth engagement.
The Governor also suggested administering a drug-free pledge across all faculties of universities.
‘Cooperation Along With Competition’
Stressing the need for what he termed “cooperation along with competition” in higher education, Gupta said good practices developed by one university should be shared with others.
“If a university has developed an outstanding practice, a new teaching methodology or achieved success in research and innovation, its benefits should reach other universities and students as well,” he said.
He called for institutionalising the sharing of best practices, research and innovation while promoting entrepreneurship, employment-oriented skills and a strong research culture.
On the occasion, the Governor also released the first edition of Lok Bhavan’s magazine.
Earlier, Secretary to the Governor Sandeep Bhardwaj welcomed the Governor and the Vice-Chancellors and outlined the agenda of the meeting.
Vice-Chancellors made presentations and shared their views on skill development, employment and entrepreneurship, youth health and well-being, Nasha Mukt Bharat, sports and fitness, youth leadership, innovation and research, national development and inter-university collaboration.
Among those present were Himachal Pradesh University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mahavir Singh, Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni Vice-Chancellor Dr Harminder Singh Bawa, Atal Medical and Research University Vice-Chancellor Dr D.K. Verma, Sardar Patel University Vice-Chancellor Dr Lalit Kumar Awasthi, besides other senior officers.
