14th Convocation of Dr. Y.S. Parmar UHF HeldGovernor Confers Gold Medals to Meritorious Students
Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla presided over the 14th Convocation of Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (YSPUHF), Nauni, in Solan district today. He conferred 12 gold medals on meritorious students, including 9 gold medals awarded to girl students. He also distributed 518 merit certificates and 855 degrees in horticulture and forestry.
Extending his greetings to all graduates and their families, Shri Shukla said that the convocation signifies not only academic accomplishment but also a renewed responsibility towards farmers, society, and the nation. He appreciated the university’s initiatives in promoting high-value crops such as dragon fruit, avocado, blueberry, macadamia nut and coffee, and its efforts to encourage natural farming while reducing chemical dependence.
The Governor commended the university’s strong research output, including 334 research publications, 10 patents, and 11 national and international MoUs. He praised the institution’s national recognition in medicinal plant research, bio-control, and other scientific fields, as well as the exceptional performance of students, especially the girl students who excelled with distinction.
Referring to his statewide anti-drug campaign, Shri Shukla called upon the youth to actively participate in building a drug-free Himachal. He appreciated the university’s active involvement in organizing awareness programmes that engaged thousands of students, farmers and community members across the state.
Urging graduates to uphold ethics, compassion, and responsibility, the Governor encouraged them to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and vital contributors to the economic advancement of the farming community. He reminded them to keep national and state interests at the core of their future endeavours.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chairman of the Agricultural Scientist Selection Board, Government of India addressed the gathering as the special guest. He said the day celebrated learning, scientific inquiry, field experience and the spirit of service inherent in horticulture, forestry and allied sciences.
He reminded students that as alumni of the university named after Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, they inherit his ideals of self-reliance, sincerity and youth-led progress. He highlighted the vital role of horticulture and allied activities in sustaining rural livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh and commended the university’s extensive outreach through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and regional research stations.
Dr. Sanjay emphasized that the new generation will shape India’s future by creating value-added products spanning horticulture, floriculture, agroforestry, biofuels, nutraceuticals and bioplastics. “Agrobiodiversity is your inheritance, climate resilience your mission, and innovation your tool,” he said. He urged students to carry forward the university’s legacy and contribute to national missions including MIDH, NHM and the BioE3 policy.
Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Rajeshwar Chandel welcomed the Governor and presented the annual report. He shared that in the NIRF 2025 rankings, the university secured 20th position among agricultural universities, placed in the 101–150 band in the university category, and 151–200 band overall. In the IIRF National Rankings, the university achieved 11th position in the Agriculture & Horticulture category.
He said that through 3,766 extension activities, the University’s Directorate of Extension Education and Krishi Vigyan Kendras benefitted around 89,344 farmers and stakeholders, while 494 training programmes were organized with participation exceeding 17,000 individuals.
The Governor also released various university publications.
Registrar Shri Sidharth Acharya proposed the vote of thanks.
MLA kasuali Shri Vinod Sultanpuri, Secretary Horticulture C. Paulrasu, Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma, Director Agriculture, Deputy Commissioner Solan Manmohan Sharma, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, members of the University Senate, Board of Management and Academic Council, university officials, faculty and students were also present on the occasion.
