The administration is gearing up for the presidential visit in Haridwar on Saturday. The President Ram Nath Kovind is coming here to inaugurate the two-day Gyan Kumbh which is expected to witness participation of over 10000 people, including the higher education ministers of several states, vice- chancellors of universities, heads of the eminent educational institutions and academicians from across the country. It is learnt that the higher education ministers from 18 states and 131 vice- chancellors are set to participate in the mega event, meant to churn out a new education policy for the country in tune with the traditions and the demands of the time. Besides, over 4000 students from 17 colleges based in Haridwar district would participate. In view of the expected huge turnout and the high-profile visits, traffic diversion would be enforced from 6 am on Saturday. It is also learnt that the President would preside over the convocation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Rishikesh during which a large number of students would be awarded degrees.
Speaking to The Pioneer, coordinator for participation of students from Haridwar S K Batra said, “A list of 4000 students from 17 colleges of the district has been received. Three colleges are yet to confirm their students’ list and over 5000 students are likely to turn up from Haridwar alone.”
Speaking about the arrangements, Batra said, “The students have been asked to come to their respective colleges where attendance would be taken. From there they would board the busses to reach the venue Patanjali Yog Peeth.”
The spokesperson of AIIMS Harish Thapliyal said while talking to The Pioneer that total 162 students would be awarded degrees during the convocation by the President. This includes one doctorate degree, 44 MBBS degrees, 117 B.Sc Nursing and eight gold medals to the meritorious students, he added.
Regarding the traffic arrangements being made for the occasion, SP traffic T C Manjunath said, “Entry of heavy vehicles would be stopped in the district from 6 am in the morning and the same would continue till 8 pm. Besides, the light vehicles coming on the National Highway from Roorkee would not be allowed from COER College to helipad of BHEL from 7 am to 3 pm.”