SHIMLA-22nd July, 2025-Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, celebrated its 56th Foundation Day today with great enthusiasm and academic fervour. Governor and Chancellor of the University Shiv Pratap Shukla graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and extended his warm greetings to the faculty, students, alumni and the staff.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor lauded the university’s rich legacy of over five decades and its consistent contributions to academic excellence and social progress. He said that a university was not merely a center for higher education but center for learning, innovation and character-building. Urging the academic community to remain focused on value-based learning, he stressed the importance of research and innovation matching global standards.

Expressing satisfaction over the institution’s growth, the Governor noted that the university, which began with only eight departments, has now expanded to include 52 departments and currently serves over 7,000 students and 1,100 research scholars.

The Governor appreciated the establishment of five new interdisciplinary research and innovation centers in the University. He called upon faculty and students to actively engage with the objectives of the National Education Policy to make higher education more inclusive, modern, and impactful.

Highlighting his ongoing campaign for a “Drug-Free Himachal,” he urged the youth to play a proactive role in spreading awareness and fostering a healthy, addiction-free society. He also expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of natural disasters in the state and called for integrating environmental sustainability into all developmental frameworks.

The Governor said that this university has produced prominent leaders in the fields of politics, science, law, literature, sports etc. and urged everyone to contribute towards building a developed India by the year 2047.

On the occasion, the Governor released the university’s student magazine Parisaamvaad, the university journal Himshikhar and a report on anti-drug activities. Cultural presentations included a folk song on drug abuse by Dr. Madan Jhalta and a performance by students Navneeta and Lakshya on the same theme.

Prof. Mahavir Singh, Vice Chancellor welcomed the Governor and spoke about the university’s vision of holistic development. He elaborated on the concept behind the newly established interdisciplinary centres which integrate diverse fields such as technology, law, management, social sciences and mathematics. He also emphasized the growing importance of artificial intelligence and innovation in the academic landscape.

Prof. Rajinder Verma, Pro Vice-Chancellor also welcomed the dignitaries and shared the university’s milestones.

A key highlight of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Himachal Pradesh University and the National Institute of Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The MoU was signed by the University Registrar and Colonel Manoram Yadav on behalf of NIDM.

A presentation was also made on the university’s newly established Centres of Excellence, viz: Centre for Green Energy and Nanotechnology, Himalayan Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience, Centre for Artificial Intelligence on Cyber Physical Systems, Ramanujan Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and Indian Mathematics and Centre for Pahari Culture and Heritage.

Dr. Sumit Goel, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital, Delhi, also addressed the gathering and spoke on cancer eradication strategies.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Gyan Sagar Negi, Registrar of the University.

Rameshwar Thakur, Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission and other prominent dignitaries were also present on the occasion.