Dharamshala, Jan 23 (UNI) The 16th Foundation Day and Week Celebrations–2026 of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) concluded at the auditorium of Government College, Dharamshala, with a series of academic, cultural and felicitation programmes.
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur attended the event as the chief guest, while Vice-Chancellor Prof Sat Prakash Bansal presided over the function. Director, NITTTR Chandigarh Prof Bhola Ram Gurjar was the guest of honour. MLAs Sudhir Sharma (Dharamshala) and Pawan Kajal (Kangra) were also present.
Faculty members, officers, staff, research scholars and students participated in large numbers. Addressing the gathering, Jai Ram Thakur said that quality-based education is the true identity of the future and universities play a crucial role in nation-building through research and innovation.
During the event, an Advanced Materials Laboratory was inaugurated to strengthen the university’s research infrastructure. The programme began with the inauguration of an exhibition, followed by the national anthem, lighting of the ceremonial lamp and Saraswati Vandana.
Several publications, including the University Calendar–2026, University Newsletter, University A to Z, newsletters of academic centres and books published by the university, were released.
Awards were presented to the Best Teacher, Best Research Teacher and Best Non-Teaching Employee. Dr Janmejay Guleria was given special honour for composing the university anthem. Students who excelled in Hindi Diwas, sports competitions and Fine Arts exhibitions were also felicitated.
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof Bansal said the university has acquired land for the Dehra campus after consultations with 295 families and expects to receive around 50 hectares of additional land in the coming period. Construction work at Jadrangal will begin soon, and the inauguration of the Dehra campus by the Prime Minister is likely in March.
He informed that CUHP has received Rs 85 crore under the ‘Sarthi Scheme’, launched online courses in five subjects including MBA and MCA, registered 56 patents, constructed an international hostel at Dehra, and signed an MoU with the University of Pennsylvania (USA).
Guest of honour Prof Bhola Ram Gurjar emphasized the need for self-reliance in research to achieve the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, while also highlighting the Government of India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative.
