Governor highlights role of ethics, innovation and youth in Nation building

 Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, celebrated its 56^th 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.

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Kashi declaration sets five-year roadmap for youth-led drug de-addiction movement

The Youth Spiritual Summit on the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat culminated today at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Summit brought together more than 600 youth leaders, representatives from over 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organizations, academicians and domain experts. The event marked a defining moment in Bharat’s journey toward a drug-free society by 2047.

Echoing this spiritual ethos, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, reflected on the cultural sanctity of the venue: “This sacred land of Kashi is the cradle of Sanatan Chetna (eternal consciousness), where discipline and values guide life’s journey towards moksha. We are not just gathering; we are sowing seeds that will one day grow into a strong tree of national transformation.”

He further cautioned: “If a nation where 65 percent of the population is youth falls prey to addiction, only those who break free from it will be able to build the future.”

Shri Shukla also shared details of the “Nasha Mukt Himachal Abhiyan”, a state-level de-addiction awareness campaign spearheaded by the Raj Bhavan. He said that Panchayati Raj institutions, Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, educational institutions and civil society organizations have been mobilized to fight the rising threat of drug use among the youth in Himachal Pradesh.

Speaking at the Summit, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized, “We have reflected deeply over the last three days across diverse thematic sessions. Based on this collective chintan, the Kashi Declaration is born, not just as a document, but as a shared Sankalp for the Yuva Shakti of Bharat.”

The culminating session of the Summit was marked by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries. The keynote address was delivered by Nitin Agarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Excise and Prohibition, Government of Uttar Pradesh. 

The Kashi Declaration, formally adopted today, affirms a national consensus to treat substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge and calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. It emphasizes the integration of spiritual, cultural, educational and technological efforts to prevent addiction, support recovery and foster a national culture of sobriety. It proposes institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination, including the formation of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reporting and a national platform for linking affected individuals to support services.

Several dignitaries, including Dr. Virendra Kumar (Social Justice and Empowerment), Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Culture and Tourism), Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State, Home Affairs,  Nityanand Rai, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse (Youth Affairs and Sports) and Girish Chandra Yadav (Sports Minister, Uttar Pradesh), participated in sessions for day one, contributing valuable insights. Raksha Khadse highlighted the misuse of digital platforms targeting school children and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy under the Prime Minister’s leadership.

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Delegation of Kamdhenu Hitkari Society call on CM

A delegation of milk producers associated with Kamdhenu Hitkari Society called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today and expressed their gratitude for enhancing freight subsidy from Rs. 1.50 per liter to Rs. 3 per liter for the registered milk societies. The delegation informed the Chief Minister that nearly 6000 families associated with the Kaamdhenu Hitkari Society will be benefitted from this enhancement.  They said that Himachal is the first state in the country to provide freight subsidy to the milk producers and they are grateful to the Chief Minister for this empathetic gesture and his approach to resolve the problems of the farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has undertaken many initiatives to strengthen the rural economy to provide more money in the hands of farmers. He said that Himachal is the first State to offer highest minimum support prices for milk. He said that cow milk is being procured at the rate of Rs. 51 per liter, whereas buffalo milk at the rate of Rs. 61 per liter from the cattle rearers. Besides this, the state government is also providing MSP for the naturally produced wheat, maize, barley and raw turmeric at the rate of Rs. 60, Rs. 40, Rs. 60 and Rs. 90  per kg respectively. He asked the farmers to avail these benefits to boost their household income and enhance their livelihoods.

 He assured the delegation that he will join a function being organized by Kaamdhenu Milk Society in the first week of September this year.

MLA Sanjay Awasthy also thanked the Chief Minister for such initiative and said that he understands the problems of farmers, daily wage workers and other underprivileged sections of the society and is  always committed to resolve these issues. He said that bolstering the rural economy remains the priority for the Chief Minister and welfare schemes are being executed in this direction, which are yielding positive outcomes.

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Chamiyana to deliver healthcare services at par with AIIMS

The State Government will soon initiate the recruitment process for specialist robotic surgeons to launch robotic surgery services across Himachal Pradesh, aimed at providing advanced medical treatment within government health institutions, ensuring high-quality healthcare access for the people of the State. A proposal outlining the recruitment rules for these specialist surgeons will be presented to the State Cabinet for approval shortly. In addition to performing surgeries, the recruited experts will also train other doctors in robotic surgical techniques, helping build a future-ready team of skilled professionals in the State. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared this information during a late evening review meeting of the Health Department held on Friday.

The Chief Minister stated “The State government is committed to providing quality healthcare services to the people through public health institutions. Modern technologies and medical equipment are being installed in all government medical colleges and other health facilities across the State.” The Atal Institute of Medical Super-Specialty at Chamiyana will provide healthcare facilities at par with AIIMS, Delhi and robotic surgery services will soon commence at this institute, whereas a robotic surgical system will also be installed soon at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, he added.

He also directed the department to initiate the process for installing robotic surgical machines at Hamirpur Medical College and Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, as part of the State’s push towards advanced healthcare services. He emphasized the need to fill vacant posts in the health sector without delay to further strengthen healthcare delivery across Himachal Pradesh. He said that the Directorate of Medical Education will recruit 100 new medical officers, while 50 additional nurses will be appointed at Chamiyana soon. Recruitment process is also in progress for paramedical staff, technicians, and other support personnel to enhance the overall capacity of the state’s healthcare infrastructure. He said ”The State Government has increased the monthly honorarium of operation theatre assistants from Rs. 17,820 to Rs. 25,000, and for radiographers and X-ray technicians from Rs. 13,100 to Rs. 25,000.”

Sh. Sukhu said that to address the shortage of paramedical education seats in the government sector, the government has decided to increase intake capacity in key courses after 23 years to bolster the health sector. At IGMC Shimla, the number of seats in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology, B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anesthesia and OT Technology courses have been increased from 10 to 50 each. Similarly, at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, the number of seats in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology, B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anesthesia and OT Technology has been enhanced from 18 to 50 in each course. This will enable local youth to receive professional training within the State itself, he said.

Health Minister Col. (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Health Secretary M. Sudha Devi, Special Secretary Dr. Ashwini Kumar Sharma and other senior officials were present at the meeting.

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PWD rest house inaugurates at Chhota Shimla

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today offered prayers at Jakhu Temple in Shimla, seeking peace and prosperity for the people of the State and took part in the installation ceremony of a 108-feet high Hanuman Dhwaja (flag) in the temple premises.

While interacting with media persons, the Chief Minister said that the historic Jakhu Temple holds deep spiritual significance and was a symbol of collective faith of the people. The temple was home to the tallest statue of Lord Hanuman and the state government was committed to further enhancing its spiritual and tourist appeal.

He stated that a statue of Lord Ram was also being installed at the temple complex, however, certain procedural challenges related to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) were being addressed to facilitate this installation.

“The state government aims to improve basic amenities for devotees visiting Jakhu temple, including better parking, seating arrangements and other facilities, while ensuring ecological balance,” he added.

In response to a question, the Chief Minister said that the state government was working round-the-clock to provide relief and rehabilitation to people affected by natural disasters. Even the Leader of the Opposition was in constant touch with him, as his constituency had suffered extensive damages. Besides, the Seraj assembly constituency, Dharampur, Karsog, and Nachan areas had also been severely affected due to the torrential rains. The Union Ministers have been apprised in detail about the situation in these regions during his recent New Delhi visit, he added.

“I hope that when the Union Home Minister visits Himachal Pradesh, the people of the state will receive some relief,” the Chief Minister added.

He emphasized that the rehabilitation of affected people was a prime responsibility of the state government and non-forest land would be allocated to affected individuals, while the allocation of forest land would require approval from the Central government. “The State’s priority is to reopen roads in the disaster-hit regions to ensure farmers and horticulturists can transport apples, vegetables and other produces to the markets without hindrance. The government will also provide compensation to affected families for damage to their homes, cattle sheds, livestock, and other belongings,” Sh. Sukhu said.

The Chief Minister said that many relief camps had been set up in rest houses to accommodate the affected families while those wishing to move into rented accommodation would be given Rs. 5,000 per month as rental assistance by the state government.

Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed rest house of the Public Works department at Chhota Shimla having 9 suites and built at a cost of Rs. 4.15 crore. He said that the state government has completed the construction work of this Rest House on priority. The government rest houses were being made available to the general people at uniform rates through online booking and remaining rest houses would be integrated with the online booking system. He said that the present state government had standardized rented rates for common people and VIPs for staying in Himachal Bhawan and Himachal Sadan.

He also welcomed the tourists in Himachal Pradesh and said that in some sections of social media, a negative picture was being portrayed affecting the tourism industry in the State. He said that although some regions had been impacted by the torrential rains, a large portion of the State still  remain safe and open to explore, as 70 lakh people are residing in the State.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh,  MLA Kamlesh Thakur, Principal Advisor (Media) to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Chairman, H.P. State Cooperative Bank  Devender Shyam,  Vice Chairman, HP State Industrial Development Corporation Vishal Chambiyal, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

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A delegation of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) Employees Union called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and apprised of various demands of the Association.

The Chief Minister assured them that six hotels of HPTDC viz. Apple Blossom Fagu, Lake View Bilaspur, Hotel Chanshal Rohru, Hotel Ros Common Kasauli, Hotel Sarwari Kullu and Hotel Mamleshwar Chindi will continue to be managed by the HPTDC. The representatives of the Union assured the Chief Minister that they would make all-out efforts to bring all these hotels in profit within one year of time period.  

Sh. Sukhu said that the present state government is committed to support HPTDC and ensure the well being of the employees. He said that the government would establish a 30 rooms hotel with modern amenities at Tattapani in Mandi district to offer better services to the tourists visiting the area. He emphasised on the need for quality services and asked the employees to ensure high standards in food hospitality and other facilities to come upto the expectations of the visitors.

MLA Sanjay Awasthy, President of the HPTDC Employees Union Hukum Ram, General Secretary Raj Kumar Sharma, Senior Vice President Sant Kumar Feram, Rajiv Soni, Rajpal Sharma, Shyama Nand, Nihal Singh and Manoj were also present on the occasion.

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