CM Yogi Adityanath laid the foundation stone of several development works on the occasion of the diamond jubilee of Deendayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University in Gorakhpur. He laid the foundation stone of Mahant Digvijaynath Auditorium, Diamond Jubilee Gate and Sports Stadium, as well as released special postal covers, university souvenirs and books written by teachers. Former students of the college were also felicitated on the occasion.
CM Yogi Adityanath, while wishing the University on completion of 75 years, said that it is time to look at the memories of the past and the plans for the future. He said that the University was established in 1950 under the leadership of the then Chief Minister Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, and the enlightened citizens of Gorakhpur had an important role behind it. Especially, people like Mahant Digvijaynath, Pandit Babban Mishra and Dr. P. C. Chacko together laid its foundation.
He recalled that Rs 50 lakh was needed to set up the university, which was a huge amount at that time. With the help of social worker Surendra Singh Majithia, this effort was successful and got the approval of the government.
The Chief Minister also recalled the contribution of the university’s first Vice-Chancellor B. N. Jha and the teachers. He said that the University has given many scholars and distinguished personalities to the country in various fields. There is a need to bring international recognition to the university by creating a concrete plan of action for the next 25 years, specializing in one area.
CM Yogi Adityanath suggested that the University should also contribute in the field of rural development as was the objective at the time of its establishment. Referring to the challenges of the past – such as poor connectivity, lack of resources – he pointed out that in today’s era, there is no shortage of resources, there is a need for time-bound planning and action.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that the library should be enriched and ancient texts should be collected. He referred to the disappearance of a rare 1940 book of Guru Shanti Nath and its subsequent discovery in Ayodhya. It is an important work for those interested in Indian philosophy.
CM Yogi Adityanath talked about preserving the achievements of the university in the era of technology in digital format so that the future generations can benefit from them. He also stressed on healthy interaction between teachers and students and engagement with the society.
He called for participation of universities in activities such as social impact studies and said that universities can contribute to research related to flood solutions, archaeology, and civilisation.
Referring to the vast changes that have taken place in the Gorakhpur region, the Chief Minister said that now four universities, AIIMS, Super Speciality Hospital, and Agriculture and Forestry University are coming up here. He called upon the universities to prepare for the centenary year from today itself so that new milestones of development can be set in the next 25 years.
On the occasion, MP Mr. Parbatbhai Patel, MLA Mr. Kirtisingh Vaghela, District BJP President, Former Minister and Chairman of Banas Dairy, Mr. Shankarbhai Chaudhary, Chairman of Deesa Marketyard, Mahant’s, Former Minister, Collector, District Development Officer and people at large remained present.