Meerut (UP), Jul 20 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Monday said the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 could be realised only if the youth actively contributed to the development of farmers, villages and society through knowledge, innovation and a spirit of service.
Addressing the 19th convocation of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT), where she attended as the university’s Chancellor, Patel said a degree was not merely an academic achievement but also a commitment to fulfilling one’s responsibilities towards society and the nation.
She urged students to use their knowledge and skills not only for personal advancement but also for the welfare of farmers, rural development and the agricultural sector.
Describing the university as a major centre for agricultural education, animal husbandry, rural entrepreneurship, food processing, innovation and farmer welfare in western Uttar Pradesh, Patel lauded its efforts in taking modern technologies to farmers, livestock owners, youth and rural women through education, research and extension activities.
A total of 450 students from various faculties were awarded degrees at the convocation.
Ashutosh Sharma, a student of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry programme, received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance.
Several other meritorious students were honoured with gold, silver and bronze medals, while faculty members were also felicitated.
The governor said many women had built successful businesses worth crores of rupees despite lacking formal education and urged students to draw inspiration from such examples to become self-reliant.
She also stressed the need to promote agricultural diversification, adoption of modern technologies and collaborative research, besides suggesting that future convocations be celebrated as a 15-day ‘Dikshotsav’.
State Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said the Uttar Pradesh government was creating vast opportunities for young people in agricultural research, biotechnology, drone technology, artificial intelligence, digital agriculture and agri-startups.
He urged graduates to strive to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Gujarat Assembly Speaker and Banas Dairy Chairman Shankarbhai Chaudhary said modern technology and artificial intelligence would play a crucial role in advancing the agriculture sector, while Atul Dhirajlal Patel, great-grandson of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, called upon the youth to contribute to innovation and nation-building.
Vice-Chancellor Triveni Dutt said infrastructure development projects worth about Rs 133 crore were currently underway at the university.
On the occasion, the university also signed a memorandum of understanding with Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, for collaboration in agriculture, Ayurveda and research.
The convocation was attended by public representatives, senior officials and a large number of students. PTI COR KIS KSI KSI
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.