Meerut: The 17th convocation of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut was held under the chairmanship of the Governor of the state and Chancellor Anandiben Patel. In this ceremony, the Governor conferred a total of 270 degrees, in which 20 gold and silver medals were awarded to the students who performed exceptionally well.
The Governor expressed happiness that 70 percent of the medals were received by girl students in the ceremony, which shows their hard work and strong will. Appreciating the achievements of the university, she also wished the students for their bright future.
In the convocation, degrees were awarded to 254 students for graduation in various subjects, 09 for post graduation and 07 for PhD. For academic excellence, 15 students from various colleges were awarded Vice Chancellor’s Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals. The Governor also honored the students who secured first place in the school competition and the best Anganwadi. She also distributed gifts to the children of primary schools and 200 Anganwadi kits to the Anganwadis of Hapur district.
At the ceremony, the Governor drew attention to the speciality of the university and said that this university is important for many reasons. Firstly, the first bugle for freedom from the British rule was blown from this land of Meerut. Secondly, the name of the university is associated with the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played an important role in the freedom struggle and made an unprecedented contribution in the integration of the country after independence.
The Governor described India as the world’s largest agricultural sector and said that the soul of India resides in the villages, the maintenance of which depends on efficient agriculture. She said that keeping in mind the increasing population, decreasing land and increasing demand for food in the country, the alliance of agriculture and science has fulfilled the need for food.
Describing the development of farmers and villages as essential to make India developed and self-reliant by the year 2047, as set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said that for this, many public welfare schemes are being run by the Central and State Governments. Everyone should work together to ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach the beneficiaries.
The Governor, while inspiring the students to contribute to agriculture, agricultural education and research, directed the universities to take practical knowledge from classrooms to the fields and make the students aware of the practical aspects of agricultural work.
The Governor also underlined the importance of organic farming and traditional products. She appreciated the efforts to develop “Shri Ann” as a brand and said that organic farming is also beneficial for health, soil and farmers. She also directed agricultural universities and research institutes to create a common platform for preparing improved seeds.
The Governor, while instructing the University to make efforts for better grading in NAAC, congratulated the University on filing 08 patents and registration of 03 patents by the University. She also directed to develop 01 oilseed village in each block. Describing the Drone Sakhi project as a boon for the women of self-help groups, she described it as an excellent way to increase income. Appreciating the work done by the university, she asked to do better work in future so that income can be increased with the inclusion of technology at the rural level.
On this occasion, special guest Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Research, Uttar Pradesh, Chief Guest Chairman Agricultural Scientist Selection Board, New Delhi, Dr. Sanjay Kumar and Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. KK Singh congratulated all the students who received degrees and medals in the convocation and wished them a bright future.
In the ceremony, Director General of Directorate of Ex-Servicemen Rehabilitation, New Delhi, Major General SBK Singh and Vice Chancellor of the University Dr. KK Singh signed an MoU under which the university will provide 21 days training to the retiring or retired personnel of the Indian Army. Major General S.B.K. Singh informed that this is the first agricultural university in the country to sign such an MoU.
On this occasion, Additional District Magistrate Brijesh Singh, public representatives, Executive Council members, officers/employees, teachers, students, Anganwadi workers and other dignitaries were present.
