Education Minister Rohit Thakur Inspires Students at Vallabh Government College, Mandi, Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Transformative Educational Growth.
Shimla:
A proud and historic moment was created today at Vallabh Government College, Mandi—one of the leading and most prestigious educational institutions of the state—when Rohit Thakur, Education Minister of the Government of Himachal Pradesh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. His presence infused the entire college campus with enthusiasm, inspiration, and renewed academic vigor.
In his address, the Minister stated that the college, established in 1948, stands as a proud symbol of the state’s rich educational heritage. Students and NCC cadets who have graduated from this esteemed institution have achieved remarkable accomplishments at the state, national, and international levels, bringing laurels to both the college and Himachal Pradesh. He further emphasized that despite challenging geographical conditions, Himachal Pradesh ranks among the leading literate states in India, with a literacy rate significantly higher than the national average—an outcome of the state government’s visionary policies and steadfast commitment to education.
The Minister also inspected the under-construction building of the college and assured that the government is fully committed to its timely completion. He informed that Rs. 9,560 crore had been allocated for the education sector in the financial year 2024–2025, which has been substantially enhanced to Rs. 10 lakh crore for the year 2025–2026. Despite financial challenges, the state government continues to accord the highest priority to the education sector.
During the program, cadets of the NCC Air Wing and Army Wing of the college ceremoniously escorted the Minister and presented him with an NCC honor. On this occasion, the Principal of the college, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, on behalf of the college fraternity, presented a memento to the Minister and formally proposed the commencement of postgraduate classes in the Faculty of Science.
The Flight Commander of the NCC Air Wing and Associate NCC Officer, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman, highlighted the outstanding achievements of the college’s NCC unit. He informed that over the past decade, 14 meritorious cadets and students of the college have earned Presidential Commissions as Lieutenants in the Indian Army and as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force. From 2018 to 2026, more than 12 cadets have demonstrated exemplary performance at the National Republic Day Camp in Delhi. Additionally, under the Youth Exchange Programme, cadets have represented the nation in Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Russia, and Bhutan, thereby enhancing the prestige of the institution. The Minister lauded these accomplishments and described NCC cadets as a strong pillar of nation-building.
Under the dynamic leadership of the Education Minister, several transformative and innovative initiatives have been undertaken in the field of education across the state. Through high-level institutional reviews, efforts are being made to strengthen infrastructure, improve learning outcomes, expand smart classrooms and ICT-enabled teaching, establish modern laboratories, and reinforce digital learning platforms. Special emphasis is also being placed on international educational exposure for teachers to incorporate global pedagogical practices, along with prioritizing skill development and employment-oriented education.
The Minister’s educational vision is holistic and value-based, rooted in ethics, leadership, innovation, creativity, and a spirit of nation-building. Under his guidance, Himachal Pradesh continues to move steadily forward in digital transformation, infrastructure development, teacher training, and the enhancement of quality learning outcomes.
On this occasion, Anil Sharma, MLA from Mandi Sadar; former MLA Tilak Raj from Bilaspur Sadar; Congress District President Champa Thakur; Pradhan of Badsu Panchayat Govind Ram Vardhan; Chaman Rahi, State Spokesperson and General Secretary of the All India Dalit, Backward and Minority Council, Himachal Pradesh; along with distinguished citizens, teaching and non-teaching staff, and a large number of students were present.
The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks to the Minister on behalf of the college fraternity. His inspiring address proved to be a source of renewed energy, broader vision, and strengthened resolve for the students.
