Lucknow : In a significant milestone for higher education in Uttar Pradesh, the NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) team from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, called on Governor and Chancellor of State Universities, Smt. Anandiben Patel, at Raj Bhavan, Lucknow on Wednesday to extend gratitude for her guidance after the university secured a prestigious ‘A’ grade in its very first accreditation attempt.
The delegation expressed their appreciation for the Governor’s visionary leadership, regular monitoring, and motivational support, which they cited as the foundation of the university’s success. Governor Patel has been instrumental in transforming higher education in the state through her relentless focus on quality, innovation, and institutional accountability.
Focus on Quality, Research, and Social Responsibility
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Patel congratulated the university team and stressed that earning an ‘A’ grade is a collective achievement, but also urged introspection on why the institution did not secure an even higher grade. She advised the university to identify its shortcomings independently and work toward achieving a higher rank in the next cycle. “A university must not merely award degrees; it should become a centre of excellence for education, research, innovation, and social responsibility,” she said.
She also noted with satisfaction that the university’s growing reputation has led to student placements in reputed companies and rising enrollment of international students, reflecting its rising credibility.
Calls for Structural, Academic, and Cultural Reforms
Governor Patel issued directives to implement project-based learning as mandatory for all students. She emphasized integrating Yoga and co-curricular activities into the curriculum for the holistic development of students. She urged universities to learn from best practices and document outstanding activities across institutions in a shared resource book.
On the matter of infrastructure, she stressed that hostel amenities must prioritize student well-being, especially for women. She recommended facilities like sanitary napkin vending and disposal machines, community kitchens, and prayer areas. “Every student should cook once a week — it’s a lesson in life skills,” she suggested, while also encouraging food competitions.
Health and Innovation Prioritized
The Governor also suggested universities implement regular BMI checks for students and staff, mirroring practices at Raj Bhavan, to promote health awareness.
She hailed the growing participation of women in agriculture and livestock management, encouraging the university to promote innovation among female students and help them engage in organic farming and modern irrigation techniques like drip irrigation at home.
Research Must Reach Farmers
Governor Patel stressed that university research should be translated into practical benefits for farmers, including developing climate-resilient, high-yield seed varieties. She called for more research into matching crop cultivation with seasonal demand to ensure agricultural profitability.
Drawing from Gujarat’s success, she cited the “Lab to Land” model, effective Narmada water management, Gamma radiation for grain preservation, and agri-training camps as replicable innovations.
Women’s Development, Gurukul Culture, and Nation Building
Governor Patel emphasized nurturing girls’ physical, mental, and emotional development, fostering a cooperative, value-based environment, and instilling self-defense skills. She encouraged a Gurukul-inspired hostel culture that shapes students into responsible citizens.
She called on educators to recognize individual talents, assign leadership roles, and become role models themselves. “Only through shared commitment can we realize Prime Minister Modi’s dream of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India),” she concluded, emphasizing that Uttar Pradesh’s progress is critical to the nation’s development.
UP’s Leadership in Higher Education
Notably, Uttar Pradesh became the first state where agriculture universities received an A++ NAAC grade, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence. The Governor’s leadership has also positioned the state as a front-runner in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, spearheading its grassroots adoption before any other state.
The event was attended by Dr. Sudhir Mahadev Bobde (Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor), Dr. Pankaj L. Jani (Special Officer – Education), Dr. K.K. Singh (Vice-Chancellor), members of the NAAC team, and Raj Bhavan officials.
This recognition marks another step in Uttar Pradesh’s journey toward becoming a beacon of quality higher education and agricultural innovation in India.
