The University of Rajasthan, a cornerstone of higher education in the state, commemorated a significant milestone on Thursday as it celebrated its 80th Foundation Day. The event was marked by a special achievers felicitation programme that recognized the exceptional accomplishments of its students and alumni.
Celebrating Excellence Across Disciplines
During the grand ceremony, the university honoured more than 100 students for their outstanding performances in the 2024-25 academic session. The felicitations spanned a diverse range of fields including sports, academics, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), fine arts, and various professional domains.
Among the standout achievers were Paralympic shooter Avani Lekhara, who secured a gold medal at the 2025 Para Shooting World Cup, and NCC cadet Monika, who created history by successfully summiting Mount Everest. Their national and international triumphs brought special acclaim to the institution.
The university also paid tribute to its retired professors, former vice-chancellors, and alumni, acknowledging their profound and lasting contributions to the university's illustrious eight-decade journey.
Leadership Vision for a Developed India
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Alpana Kateja reaffirmed the university's esteemed position. She stated that the University of Rajasthan is not merely the oldest and most prestigious higher learning institution in the state, but also a robust centre for knowledge, moral values, and social awareness.
Prof. Kateja outlined a forward-looking roadmap for the institution, drawing on suggestions provided by the NAAC peer team last year. The key focus areas will include faculty recruitment, fostering industrial collaboration, enhancing student placements, promoting digital learning, and expanding job-oriented courses.
Emphasizing the university's commitment to national goals, the VC declared that the institution is fully dedicated to playing an intellectual, social, and innovation-driven leadership role in realizing the national resolve of Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India-2047).
Government Applauds Academic Prowess
The chief guest for the occasion, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, lauded the university for its recent achievement of an A+ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). He described this accreditation as a powerful endorsement of the university's academic quality, vibrant research culture, green campus initiatives, efforts towards women's empowerment, and its sports and cultural activities.
Meghwal issued a clarion call to the youth, urging them to prepare themselves to lead the nation in the 21st century. "Our country is doing well in terms of economic growth, but youth with proper education must be ready to build a developed India," he asserted.
Babu Lal, a functionary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) who attended as the guest of honour, commended the achievements of the honoured students. He noted that their successes further solidify the University of Rajasthan's reputation as a leading national institution for higher education.
The 80th Foundation Day celebrations served as both a reflection on a rich legacy and a confident stride towards a future aligned with national development, underscored by excellence and student achievement.
