PALAMPUR: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Tuesday stressed the need for an education system that goes beyond degrees and equips students with knowledge, skills, confidence, employability and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Addressing the Foundation Day celebrations of Shri Sai University at Palampur in Kangra district, the Governor said the real identity of a university was defined by its contribution to knowledge, values, research, innovation and society.
Gupta said the academic journey of the Shri Sai Group, which began at Badhani in 1996, was an example of sustained commitment to education. He noted that in a geographically challenging state like Himachal Pradesh, where many areas are mountainous, rural and remote, establishing institutions of higher education could serve as an important instrument of social transformation by creating new opportunities for local youth.
He said the impact of a university extended beyond one generation and called for visionary leadership that looked at the requirements and challenges of the next 20, 30 and 50 years.
Describing India as a young nation, Gupta emphasised stronger industry-academia linkages to channelise the energy and potential of youth. “Your goal should not be limited to securing a job. You should also aspire to become capable of creating employment opportunities for others,” he said.
The Governor said India was witnessing a growing ecosystem of innovation, startups and entrepreneurship and universities should create an environment where students emerge as employment creators, problem-solvers and innovators capable of turning ideas into reality.
Referring to the National Education Policy-2020, Gupta said the policy envisioned education that was holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary and aligned with future requirements. He highlighted its emphasis on access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability, along with research, innovation, skills and multidisciplinary learning.
The Governor also appreciated Shri Sai University’s focus on education related to mountain and mountaineering activities, saying Himachal Pradesh possessed distinctive potential in the field. He said the State’s mountains were not only a symbol of its identity but also important for tourism, adventure sports, environmental conservation, disaster management, sports science and local employment.
He urged the university to integrate education, training, research and practical experience in mountain-related disciplines and develop a model that could enable Himachal’s youth to establish themselves at national and international levels.
Addressing students, Gupta described them as the university’s greatest asset and urged them to make the best use of available opportunities, respect their teachers and remain committed to continuous learning while embracing technology without losing touch with their roots and culture.
Advising students not to fear failure, the Governor said setbacks should be treated as opportunities to learn and improve. “Never compromise on three things in life—discipline, hard work and honesty. If these three become an integral part of your life, the path to success will continue to open before you,” he said.
Earlier, Chancellor S.K. Punj welcomed the Governor and highlighted the academic journey and achievements of the university.
Deputy Commissioner Kangra Hemraj Bairwa, Superintendent of Police Kulbhushan Verma, Managing Director Tripta Punj, Pro-Vice Chancellor Tushar Punj, Vice President Riya Punj, Vice Chancellor Prof. V.P. Patial and other prominent persons were present on the occasion.
