Dr PS Pandey, Assistant Director-General of the Education Planning and Home Science division of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research urged the students to become job providers instead of job seekers. He was addressing the new students during the orientation programme held at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni. The students also got a chance to listen to the views of Yogacharya Sri Nivas Murthy, coordinator of Yog Bharti, Solan, who gave tips on improving fitness and food habits.

Speaking on occasion, Dr Pandey gave an overview of the accreditation process of ICAR. He praised the university for securing 12^th rank among all agricultural universities in the country. Dr Pandey exhorted that quality faculty was important for rankings. He suggested that the course curriculum should be made more vibrant so that it fits the needs of the industry and should promote entrepreneurship among students.  Dr Pandey called for designing one-week duration orientation programmes where new students not only get a chance to listen and interact with young entrepreneurs and gurus from the industry but are also engaged in social activities like plantation drives.Stressing the importance of Experiential Learning Programme (ELP), Dr Pandey said that it was an important component of agricultural education where students not only ‘earn and learn’ but also ‘learn and return’ to the society. He suggested that the university should expand its ELP on quality planting material.  

During the function, Yogacharya Sri Niwas Murthy addressed the students on the topic of Yoga and health. He explained several yoga exercises and health tips with the staff and students and urged them to adopt yoga for a happy and disease-free life.

Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Dr Parvinder Kaushal thanked the ICAR and Dr Pandey for supporting the university in providing a stimulating educational environment to the students. He said it was a matter of great privilege that the ADG of Education Planning division chose UHF to address the new students. Dr Kaushal sought the support of ICAR in improving the infrastructure and educational facilities to make the university a world-class institution.

Natraj Boys Hostel Inaugurated 

Dr PS Pandey, inaugurated the ‘Natraj Boys Hostel’ built at the University on Friday evening. The four-storeyed building has been constructed at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore. The ICAR has provided financial support for the construction of the hostel which will house 98 students. Dr Pandey also visited the various experimental farms of the university and appreciated the work of the university scientists and students.