President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday presented Gold Medals to 10 meritorious students including seven girls during the 26th Annual Convocation of Himachal Pradesh University Shimla and also addressed the Convocation function and acknowledged the efforts of the University for providing quality education.

As many as 99 Students were given Ph. D. degrees including 59 females and 40 males and 111 Gold medals were presented to 34 males and 77 females.

In her address, the President said that since its inception in 1970, Himachal Pradesh University has played a very important role in the field of higher education and the alumni of this University have left their mark in various fields including arts, medicine, judiciary, sports, social service, politics and administration. 

The President said that the climate of Himachal Pradesh attracts people from across the world and this region of the Himalayas is rich in fauna and flora. But climate change is affecting the ecology of this region also. It is the need of the hour to move forward together towards the goal of sustainable development while conserving the rich natural heritage of the state. Therefore, it is the duty of institutions like Himachal Pradesh University to promote research and innovation keeping in mind the needs of the local community and the ecological challenges of the region and contribute in eco-friendly development.

While congratulating all the degree holders and gold medalists, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who is also a Chancellor of the University, said that it was a matter of pride for all of us that this convocation ceremony is being organized in the august presence of the President.  He said that HP University has a glorious past and the students who have passed from this university were rendering their outstanding services in different fields in the country and the world thereby bringing laurels to the State as well as the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said it was a moment of happiness for us that the President of India had arrived in Devbhoomi, Himachal Pradesh and graced the convocation function of Himachal Pradesh University. He said that such programs motivate the students to excel in their life and encourage them to serve the Nation with dedication. He said that the University was his alma mater and recalled the memories of his student life. He also highlighted the rich history of the University and said that many laurels had been brought to the State by its students in various fields.

Sukhu also praised the authorities of the University for maintaining the best educational atmosphere, adding that 'A' grade given by NAAC again, is a testament to the quality of education it provides to its students besides other co-curricular activities. He assured that the State Government would extend all possible cooperation and assistance to upgrade more facilities for the students and the teaching faculty.

Vice Chancellor Prof. S.P Bansal welcomed the President and other dignitaries and read out the progress report of the University and said that concerted efforts have been made to implement National Education Policy in the University.