Udaipur, “Education is not just about awarding degrees; it must enhance intellectual capacity, strengthen moral values, and provide practical skills to students.” These were the inspiring words of Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Governor of Rajasthan and Chancellor, as he addressed senior officials and heads of departments at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur on Friday.

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The Governor emphasized that universities must focus on preserving intellectual property, integrating ancient Indian wisdom into modern curricula, conducting high-quality research, and ensuring that its benefits reach farmers at the grassroots.

 

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Welcome and Achievements

Vice Chancellor Dr. Ajeet Kumar Karnatak extended a warm welcome to the Governor and presented MPUAT’s progress report. Established in 1999, the university has made remarkable contributions in agricultural education, research, skill development, and innovation.

Among its achievements are 58 patents, 81 international MoUs, the development of advanced maize and medicinal crop varieties, 26 research projects, training of lakhs of farmers, and impressive research indices (Scopus H-index: 83, Google H-index: 97).

Inspiration from India’s Knowledge Heritage

Governor Bagde drew parallels with India’s ancient Gurukul system, where even without engineering degrees, students possessed the technical expertise to design robust structures and inventions. Education, he stressed, should be more than bookish—it must be practical and socially enriching.

He referred to the pioneering work of an Indian engineer who, inspired by sage Bharadwaj’s treatise Yantra Sarvasva, designed and publicly demonstrated an aircraft in 1895—years before the Wright Brothers. Unfortunately, this innovation was overshadowed by colonial neglect. This, the Governor said, is a reminder of India’s rich scientific heritage.

Shaping the Future of Higher Education

The Governor urged professors to create not only skilled professionals but also ethical and character-driven leaders. He highlighted the need for quality education, especially for students from weaker sections, and stressed the importance of NAAC accreditation for affiliated colleges. He also called for strengthening financial sustainability and modernizing educational frameworks.

Honoring World-Class Scientists

On this occasion, two MPUAT scientists—Dr. N.L. Panwar and Dr. Vinod Saharan—were felicitated by the Governor for being listed among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier. “This is a matter of immense pride not only for the university but for the entire state of Rajasthan,” he remarked.

Vice Chancellor’s Vision and National Commitment

Dr. Karnatak reaffirmed MPUAT’s commitment to contributing to the Prime Minister’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision in agriculture and rural development. He proudly noted that MPUAT has pioneered the implementation of NEP-2020 and introduced undergraduate programs in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

Meeting and Deliberations

The meeting reviewed key aspects including academics, NAAC accreditation, financial health, staffing, infrastructure, IT systems, and other activities. Professors and subject experts presented detailed insights and recommendations.

Closing and Acknowledgements

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Dhriti Solanki, Dean of the College of Community and Applied Sciences. Proceedings were conducted by Dr. Vishakha Bansal and Dr. Rupal Babel, with support from Private Secretary to the Vice Chancellor Vishal Ajmera, Manoj Bhatnagar, and Dinesh Kumar.

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