Udaipur, August 21: Rajasthan Vidyapeeth celebrated its 90th Foundation Day with enthusiasm on Friday at the Computer and IT Auditorium on its Pratap Nagar campus. Faculty members and staff from all three campuses attended the ceremony.

The programme began with floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati, lighting of the ceremonial lamp and flag hoisting by Vice Chancellor Prof. Manju Mandot, former Vice Chancellor Praful Nagar, former Vice Chancellor Prof. Divya Prabha Nagar, Registrar Dr. Tarun Shrimali, Ashish Nagar, Prof. Malay Paneri and Prof. Saroj Garg.

Earlier, the dignitaries and staff paid floral tribute at the life-size statue of founder Pandit Janardan Rai Nagar, popularly known as “Janubhai,” at the Pratap Nagar campus.

Foundation Day is a reminder of our values and responsibilities: Prof. Manju Mandot

In her presidential address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Manju Mandot said the Foundation Day was not merely a date on the calendar but an occasion to remember the institution’s roots, responsibilities, values and the visionary personality who laid the foundation of Rajasthan Vidyapeeth.

She said education, for Janubhai, was not merely a means of personality development but a foundation for social awareness, self-reliance, women’s empowerment and nation-building. Rajasthan Vidyapeeth continues to follow his vision while adapting to changing social needs and emerging challenges.

Prof. Mandot said the institution was introducing technology-driven and innovation-based programmes while its faculty continued to uphold traditions, values and a spirit of gratitude. She emphasised the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, research, social responsibility, innovation and transparency.

She recalled that Pandit Janardan Rai Nagar established Rajasthan Vidyapeeth on August 21, 1937, at the age of 26, nearly a decade before Independence, with the objective of promoting literacy, quality education and value-based learning.

What began with an initial investment of just Rs. 3 has now grown into a major educational institution with more than 10,000 students, over 75 academic programmes and more than 50 certificate courses. The institution currently has an annual budget of around Rs. 70 crore.

Prof. Mandot said the best tribute to Janubhai would be to carry forward his mission and vision.

Institutions grow stronger through struggle, values and dedication: Prof. Divya Prabha Nagar

Former Vice Chancellor Prof. Divya Prabha Nagar said Pandit Janardan Rai Nagar devoted his life to the advancement of education, society and the nation. She also highlighted the influence of his mother in shaping his commitment to service and dedication from an early age.

She said institution-building takes time and creating new paths amid struggle and hardship is challenging. Every individual must contribute at their own level to the development of society and the nation.

She said nurturing a generation that is committed to the nation, socially sensitive and strong in character would be a meaningful contribution to nation-building. Prof. Nagar also paid tribute to Janubhai and highlighted the continuing relevance of his ideas.

Struggle is the path to progress: Praful Nagar

Former Vice Chancellor Praful Nagar said struggle paves the way for progress. He recalled Rajasthan Vidyapeeth’s early contribution to education and social development and highlighted Janubhai’s vision and philosophy.

He said institutions become stronger through the power of ideas and values, while the dedication and sacrifice of their staff drive their development. Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, he added, continues to move forward while fulfilling its social responsibilities and community commitments.

Special guest Ashish Nagar said Rajasthan Vidyapeeth had continuously adapted to changing times and needs by introducing employment-oriented programmes, thereby contributing to the development of a capable and socially sensitive generation.

Vidyapeeth has a significant role in the nation’s educational, social and cultural progress

Reading out a message from Chancellor Bhanwar Lal Gurjar, Prof. Saroj Garg said the Foundation Day was an occasion to evaluate the work accomplished over the years and develop a renewed sense of responsibility.

She called upon the younger generation to take forward the institution’s work among rural communities of Mewar and fulfil Janubhai’s dreams. She said Rajasthan Vidyapeeth continues to play an active role in the educational, social and cultural development of the nation.

She also emphasised the responsibility of teachers in building a good society and urged them to dedicate themselves to nurturing students who can become role models for society.

Historian Prof. Hemendra Chaudhary, Registrar Dr. Tarun Shrimali and Purushottam Sharma also shared memories and accounts of Janubhai’s life and contributions.

The programme was conducted by Dr. Harish Choubisa, while Prof. Malay Paneri proposed the vote of thanks.

Several faculty members, deans, directors, staff members and prominent citizens attended the ceremony and paid floral tribute to the statue of Janubhai.