Governor urges to promote traditional activities in Health and Agriculture practices

Mandi/Shimla: While interacting with the teaching faculty and students of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Cluster University, Mandi today, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that traditional activities should be promoted in Health and Agriculture practices through the University so that society could avail the benefit.The Governor said that education system must be associated with field work and field visit for students should be organized regularly. He said that Himachal has a rich biodiversity and it should be given more attention. It should be documented properly with the help of research fellows and locals as they have better knowledge of local plant species.In a reply to a question asked by the student, the Governor stressed on research work in agriculture and allied activities like beekeeping. He said that the University has a vast canvas and can perform much more as it was a young University. He asked to promote herbal garden, extension activities etc. Traditional knowledge should be taken in forefront and should be included in agenda of the University. He discussed environment, biodiversity and ecology and asked to do more research in this direction.

He expressed concern over the increasing cases of drug abuse among youths. He said that Himachal was a tourist destination therefore we should be more vigilant on drug addiction to save our future generation. He appealed the students to be away from such activities. Vice-Chancellor Prof. C.L. Chandan welcomed and honoured the Governor on the occasion and said that their visit was inspiration for them. He apprised the Governor about the background of the University in brief and informed about the implementation of National Education Policy-2020. He said that as per the direction of the Chancellor, the University has constituted a committee of experts to study landslides in the state and added that the committee had already submitted it’s report.Dean of Students Welfare Prof Sanjay Narang detailed various activities of the University through Power Point presentation. On the occasion, the students also shared their experience regarding on-line education, extra curricular activities in the University with the Governor. Registrar Akshay Sood presented a vote of thanks.Deputy Commissioner Mandi Arindam Chaudhary, Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri, officers of district administration, prominent persons, teaching and non-teaching staff of the University and students were also present on the occasion.