Brave Soldier and Renowned International Agricultural Scientist Felicitated

Udaipur. The Rajasthan College of Agriculture (RCA), a constituent of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, in association with its Alumni Council, organized a special lecture and felicitation ceremony on the theme “Role of Youth in National Security” at the college conference hall.

Inaugurating the ceremony, Dr. Manoj Mehla, Dean of the Rajasthan College of Agriculture and Chief Patron of the Alumni Council, said that the institution felt deeply honored to welcome and felicitate a brave soldier and an internationally acclaimed agricultural scientist on the same platform. The chief guest, Mr. Yogendra Singh Rathore—an alumnus of RCA—was recently awarded the Ati Utkrisht Seva Medal and the Police Medal for his outstanding services during Operation Sindoor along the 500-km international border of Rajasthan.

Dr. Mehla highlighted Mr. Rathore’s distinguished service record, noting his contribution during the Kargil War under Operation Vijay, for which he received the Vijay Medal. Mr. Rathore has also led the Border Security Force (BSF) Day Parade four times and earned the UN Medal for his service in Kosovo and Yugoslavia under the United Nations. His commitment to environmental protection earned him the Vriksh Mitra Award 2023. Welcoming him, Dr. Mehla said that students were fortunate to interact with such an inspiring and courageous officer.

On this occasion, the college also felicitated internationally renowned agricultural scientist and RCA alumnus, Dr. L.S. Sarangdevot, currently Emeritus Professor at the prestigious California State University, USA. Dr. Mehla noted that Prof. Sarangdevot played a crucial role as one of the lead scientists in the 1965 Green Revolution program, particularly in elevating maize—Mewar’s major crop—to national prominence. His contributions have been instrumental in improving food security and combating hunger and poverty. “Today’s ceremony truly embodies the national message—‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan’,” he said.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Mr. Rathore urged students to move forward with determination and not fear failure. Sharing memories from his student life, he emphasized that dedication, discipline, hard work and time management are key to achieving one’s goals. When one works with sincerity, he said, one’s surroundings naturally support success.

Special guest Dr. L.S. Sarangdevot and Dr. B.A. Mahajan spoke about the wide opportunities for youth in agricultural entrepreneurship and encouraged students to explore higher education prospects in Europe and the United States. They assured full support and guidance to interested students.

Udaipur Rural MLA Mr. Phoolsingh Meena, who was present at the event, praised Mr. Rathore’s exceptional courage and service during Operation Sindoor and the Kargil War, urging students to draw inspiration from his exemplary journey.

The program was attended by Dr. B.A. Mahajan, Director, Sustainable Agriculture Institute, New Delhi; former Udaipur councillor Mr. Prem Singh Shaktawat; and distinguished members of the RCA Alumni Council.

Mr. Gajpal Singh Rathore, Udaipur City District President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, expressed pride in having Mr. Yogendra Singh Rathore—now a BSF Deputy Inspector General—as an alumnus of RCA. Dr. J.L. Chaudhary, Secretary of the Alumni Council, presented an annual report of the Council’s activities and felicitated the guests.

Faculty members including Dr. S.S. Lakhawat, Dr. Amit Dadhich, Dr. S.K. Khandelwal, Dr. Virendra Singh, Dr. D.P.S. Dudi, and Dr. Siddharth Mishra, along with a large number of students and staff, participated in the event.

The program was conducted by Dr. Urmila, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Deepankar Chakravorty, Joint Secretary of the Alumni Council.