Udaipur: The 80th Independence Day of India was celebrated with patriotic fervor, enthusiasm, and dignity at the University Administrative Campus of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur.

The presence of the distinguished chief guest, Dr. B. R. Chhipa, former Vice-Chancellor of Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, added to the dignity of the occasion. University Registrar Mr. Ashok Kumar welcomed Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pratap Singh. NCC cadets then presented a disciplined and impressive march-past and escorted the Vice-Chancellor to the venue.

At 9:15 a.m., Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pratap Singh unfurled the National Flag. The ceremony was formally inaugurated with the singing of the patriotic song and the National Anthem.

Vice-Chancellor Highlights Meaning of Independence

Addressing the university community, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pratap Singh extended his warm wishes on Independence Day and said that the true meaning of freedom lies in “self-governance”—the ability to govern oneself and make independent decisions. He emphasized that Independence Day is not merely a celebration of rights, but also a reminder of our commitment to fulfill our duties and responsibilities towards the nation.

He said that India is achieving new milestones in development and that agriculture, education, research, and technological innovation have a crucial role to play in this progress.

Dr. Pratap Singh stated that MPUAT has emerged as the leading agricultural university in the state through its outstanding work and has been recognized and awarded by the Chancellor. He further noted that MPUAT currently ranks first among all State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) in Rajasthan in the NIRF rankings. He appreciated the contribution of all university officers, faculty members, employees, and students toward these achievements.

New Achievements of the University Highlighted

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted several major achievements of the university during 2025–26, including the placement of 281 students, approval of two new voluntary centres, four patent designs, development of batteries from straw, recommendation of 59 Packages of Practices, and an increase in the university's Scopus H-index to 90.

During the year, the university produced 35,669 quintals of seeds, 2.50 lakh planting materials, 206 lakh spawn, 3.97 lakh fingerlings, 18,510 kg of mushroom spawn, 1,830 kg of biopesticides, and 1,100 litres of liquid biofertilizers.

He also appreciated the university's timely declaration of examination results, pension payments, and other administrative achievements.

46 Outstanding Achievers Honoured

During the ceremony, 46 individuals and teams were honoured for their outstanding services, academic and research achievements, and significant contributions to the agricultural sector.

Among those honoured were Professor Dr. Narayan Lal Meena, scientist Dr. Yogesh Kanojia, and Dr. L. K. Chhata, who received a special honour. In the non-teaching category, Mr. Mukesh Kumar Pujari, Mr. Tej Karan Nagda, Mr. Ashok Vardiya, Mr. Parsaram Prajapat, Mr. Bhupendra Sisodia, Mrs. Lalita Mod, and Mr. Madan Lal Chaudhary were recognized.

In the student category, Aman Kumar, Dilkhush Chaudhary, Praveen Singh, Chanchal Chaudhary, Aryan Jain, Ravi Garg, Kamla, Khushi Nagda, Vaishali Meena, Akshita Upadhyay, Jinasha Bal, Annu Sharma, Manish Soo, Sneha Garg, and Sumant Bhushan were honoured for their achievements.

The FMT and CTAE team, comprising Dr. Sanwal Singh Meena, Dr. Narendra Kumar Yadav, and Engineer Kapil Gaikwad, as well as the IFMS Cell team, comprising Dr. Vikramaditya Dave, Mr. Mohit Bhati, Mr. Dinesh Sukhwal, and Mr. Ujjwal Bhatnagar, were also honoured.

In addition, 16 progressive farmers from various districts were felicitated for adopting innovative practices and advanced technologies in agriculture.

Flag Hoisting Held Across University Units

Independence Day celebrations were also organized at all colleges and directorates of the university. At Rajasthan College of Agriculture, the flag was hoisted by Dr. Lokesh Gupta; at the College of Community and Applied Sciences by Dr. Sarla Lakhawat; at the Directorate of Research by Dr. Manoj Kumar Mahla; at the College of Technology and Engineering by Dr. Vinod Yadav; at the Directorate of Extension Education by Dr. R. L. Soni; and at the College of Fisheries by Dr. L. N. Mahawar.

Following the main ceremony, senior officials and university authorities planted saplings on the campus, conveying a message of environmental conservation. Various sports competitions were subsequently organized for students and employees, in which members of the university community participated enthusiastically.

Deans, directors, the Financial Controller, Controller of Examinations, Estate Officer, faculty members, employees, and a large number of students attended the समारोह.

The programme was conducted by Dr. Jaymala Dave and Mr. Bhuvanesh Chaubisia. At the conclusion, Registrar Mr. Ashok Kumar expressed his gratitude to the guests and members of the university community. Financial Controller Mr. Mahendra Singh conveyed his Independence Day greetings to everyone.