Haryana Governor and Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, virtually laid the foundation stone for a modern cafeteria and Rose Garden project on the university campus from Lok Bhawan, Haryana, on Tuesday.
During the ceremony, Prof Ghosh unveiled the foundation plaque and planted a sapling at Lok Bhawan to promote environmental sustainability. He also released a commemorative booklet dedicated to the project.
Alumni Contribution and Inspiration
In his address, the Governor highlighted the crucial role of alumni participation in the development of higher educational institutions. He appreciated the $500,000 contribution made by alumni couple Hemant Gupta and Nalini Gupta towards the cafeteria project, describing their gesture as an inspiring example for alumni across the globe.
Prof Ghosh noted that Hemant Gupta, who built a distinguished career in the United States through dedication, leadership, and innovation, never forgot his alma mater. He expressed confidence that this initiative would inspire more alumni to contribute to the university's growth.
Appeal for Broader Alumni Support
The Governor urged the vast global network of Kurukshetra University alumni to support scholarships, research collaborations, internships, mentorship programmes, philanthropic initiatives, and infrastructure development. He particularly appealed to alumni to identify and support meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds, especially first-generation learners who might otherwise not have access to higher education.
Women Empowerment and Campus Development
Prof Ghosh expressed satisfaction over the increasing enrolment of women students, noting that Kurukshetra University has emerged as a major centre for women-centric higher education. He suggested that the upcoming cafeteria should be managed entirely by a women's team to encourage women's leadership, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Som Nath Sachdeva said the university continues to set new benchmarks in academic excellence, research, innovation, and infrastructure development. He observed that the new cafeteria and landscaped Rose Garden would significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the campus while creating a vibrant academic and social space for students.
Project Details and Timeline
Prof Sachdeva said the cafeteria would emerge as a lively hub for interaction, collaboration, and creative engagement among students and faculty. He informed that the construction contract for the cafeteria has already been awarded and the project is scheduled for completion within 10 months, adding that the university is committed to completing it within the stipulated timeframe.
KU Alumni Association Secretary Dr Vivek Chawla said that, in its first phase, an 11,000-square-foot, fully air-conditioned, two-storey cafeteria will be constructed.
