Seven-Day Deeksharambh 2026 Begins at SPU Mandi, Focus on Innovation, Civil Services and Drug-Free Campus.

Mandi:

The seven-day Deeksharambh 2026 Student Induction Programme for newly admitted postgraduate students commenced on Friday at the Amrit Mahotsav Auditorium, Swami Vivekananda Bhawan of Sardar Patel University (SPU), Mandi. Organised in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, the programme aims to familiarise students with the university’s academic ecosystem, research and innovation culture, student support services, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, institutional values and various aspects of university life.

The induction programme, which will continue until July 31, was inaugurated by Apoorv Devgan, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, as the chief guest. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lalit Kumar Awasthi presided over the inaugural function.

The programme began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and Saraswati Vandana, followed by the felicitation of the chief guest and other distinguished dignitaries with shawls and mementoes.

Welcoming the newly admitted students, Prof. Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Dean Students’ Welfare, who is also the coordinator and organising secretary of the induction programme, highlighted the objectives of Deeksharambh. He said the Student Induction Programme has been designed to facilitate a smooth transition into university life by introducing students to the institution’s academic culture, research opportunities, student welfare initiatives, examination system, co-curricular activities, community engagement programmes and the vision of NEP 2020.

Prof. Sharma encouraged students to actively participate in every session of the week-long programme, stating that university education extends far beyond classroom learning. He emphasised that higher education provides opportunities for leadership development, personality enhancement, communication skills, entrepreneurship, social responsibility and value-based education. He also reiterated the university’s commitment to maintaining a ragging-free, drug-free, inclusive and student-friendly campus.

Addressing the gathering, Apoorv Devgan, IAS, congratulated the students on embarking on a new phase of their academic journey and urged them to dream big while remaining focused on their goals. Sharing inspiring experiences from his own life and civil services journey, he advised students to cultivate discipline, perseverance and integrity in every aspect of life.

He encouraged students to prepare for competitive examinations and civil services with determination while simultaneously developing leadership qualities, communication skills and a spirit of public service. He also appealed to the youth to stay away from drugs and other social evils, observing that the strength of any nation lies in its educated, disciplined and healthy youth.

“Every student possesses immense potential. If that potential is channelled with discipline, hard work, honesty and the right values, success becomes inevitable. Universities should not only produce degree holders but responsible citizens capable of leading society and serving the nation,” Devgan said.

Presiding over the function, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lalit Kumar Awasthi welcomed the students to the SPU family and described Deeksharambh as the beginning of an intellectual, ethical and transformative journey rather than merely the commencement of an academic session.

Speaking about the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, Prof. Awasthi said higher education must move beyond conventional teaching and focus on multidisciplinary learning, innovation, research, entrepreneurship and societal impact. He urged students to remain curious, ask questions, think critically and pursue knowledge continuously.

Highlighting the changing nature of higher education, the Vice-Chancellor said the future belongs to innovators rather than job seekers. He encouraged students to become job creators by engaging in research, startups, patents, incubation, technology development and community-oriented innovations. He also noted that artificial intelligence, digital technologies and the knowledge economy are transforming every profession, making lifelong learning and adaptability essential.

Prof. Awasthi further called upon students to uphold constitutional values, maintain discipline, protect the environment, adopt a healthy lifestyle, remain free from drugs and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

“Education should nurture competent professionals as well as compassionate human beings. The real objective of higher education is to produce responsible citizens, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and leaders who contribute to the progress of society and the nation,” he said.

A major highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the release of the book “Rampyari Ki Subsidy Aur Anya Kahaniyan”, authored by noted Himachali litterateur and historical novelist Dr. Ganga Ram Raji. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Raji described books as lifelong companions and encouraged students to cultivate the habit of reading quality literature to broaden their intellectual horizons and strengthen their moral values. He also shared the creative journey behind the publication and informed the audience that the book had been dedicated to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lalit Kumar Awasthi.

The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Associate Dean Students’ Welfare, who welcomed the dignitaries and coordinated the event.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Registrar Shashi Pal Negi expressed gratitude to the chief guest, Vice-Chancellor, distinguished guests, Dr. Ganga Ram Raji, faculty members, officers, staff, media representatives and the organising committee for their support in making the inaugural ceremony successful. He expressed confidence that the seven-day induction programme would provide newly admitted postgraduate students with a strong academic foundation, greater confidence and a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available during their university life.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from deans, heads of departments, faculty members, officers, non-teaching staff, research scholars and a large number of newly admitted postgraduate students. Several prominent literary personalities from Mandi also attended the programme, making the event a memorable beginning to the university’s new academic session.