In a step towards fostering closer ties between students and farmers, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) hosted a seminar here on Wednesday under the initiative ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, marking the ‘Amrit Kaal’.
The event saw participation from around 50 village sarpanchs from Delhi, engaging in productive discussions at the GGSIPU campus in Dwarka.
The seminar aimed to strengthen the bond between the university fraternity and the farming community, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative. As part of this mission, GGSIPU has adopted 25 villages and established a dedicated cell involving over 20,000 students. During the event, farmers were given a tour of the university campus.
Addressing the gathering, Padmashri Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of GGSIPU, emphasised the crucial role of farmers and rural communities in India’s development. He highlighted India’s growth targets, aiming to reach 5 trillion by 2027 and 30 trillion by 2047.
He advocated for bridging the rural-urban divide, calling for the sensitization of farmers to new technologies and improved agricultural practices for enhanced crop yields.
He also stressed the importance of establishing ‘Digital Grams’ with better healthcare and education facilities.
Chaudhary Surendra Solanki, Farmers’ leader (Pradhan), emphasized the transformation of all 360 villages in Delhi into ‘Model Villages’ for India’s overall development. Solanki highlighted the benefits of organic farming in curbing fatal diseases, urging the university to play a pivotal role in educating farmers.
Prof. (Dr.) Anuj Kumar Vaksha, Director of Viksit Bharat @2047 Cell, delivered the welcome address during the seminar. Other key members of the Cell include Dr. Deeksha Katyal, Prof. Neelu Mehra, Dr. Amit Sharma, Dr. Ritu Aggarwal, Dr. Sumit Choudhary, and Shri Amit Thakur.
Previously, a ‘Health Mela’ organized for nearby villagers benefited over 3 lakh people in the community. Dr. Varun Joshi, NSS in-charge, also shared insights during the event, highlighting the university’s commitment to community welfare.
The seminar marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration between academia and agriculture, aiming for holistic rural development and a prosperous India.
