Contribute to nation’s growth: Kataria at PAU convocation

Ludhiana: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) held its annual convocation ceremony at Dr Manmohan Singh Auditorium, conferring degrees upon 374 students, on Wednesday. The ceremony also honoured outstanding academic achievements, with five students receiving the Chancellor's Medal with citation for securing the highest overall credit point average (OCPA) in various programmes.
Also, 111 students were awarded merit certificates for achieving an impressive overall credit point average of 8.00/10.00 or above in programmes such as master of science, master of technology, and master of business administration.
Punjab governor and PAU chancellor Gulab Chand Kataria was the chief guest on the occasion. In his address, Kataria said: "I urge you all to draw up an ambitious blueprint for the sustainable development of agriculture and be the torch bearers of the stupendous legacy of your premier institution."
Hailing PAU as a long-standing beacon of agricultural education and research, significantly shaping the landscape of Indian agriculture and food security, he said the university well recognises the fast-changing socio-economic-agricultural scenario and is developing a competent human resource to address the emerging challenges. "The university has taken tangible steps in creating mass awareness through not only a well-trained human resource but is also reorienting its research agenda and technology dissemination programmes towards sustainable development," he said.
"Today, as we gather to celebrate your achievements, we also acknowledge the university's continuing contribution to the agricultural sector. Graduates, today marks a significant milestone in your journey. Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have brought you here, and as you step forward into the world, you carry with you the knowledge and values imparted by this esteemed institution."
Terming agriculture as not just a profession; but a responsibility - one that demands innovation, commitment, and resilience, Kataria stated emphatically, "Agriculture is the only industry that shall continue to provide sustenance for all times."
As the world faces challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainability, the role of PAU becomes more critical than ever, he concluded, reposing his conviction in the young leaders who would soon embark on ambitious pathways.
Detailing the statistics, the governor said that the university would have to keep its lights burning and believe in the continuum of growth as it had shown in the past. By elevating wheat productivity from 12 quintal/ha to 48 quintal/ha; and upscaling rice productivity four times; by developing almost 950 varieties; and taking seed production to 66,000 tonnes, PAU has notched the top rankings. However, areas like dairy farming and allied farming practices, medicinal plants and Ayurveda, floriculture and herbal cultivation must also be tended to, he said, emphasising on the need to return organic matter to the soil.