16-07-2026:Governor and Chancellor participated in the launch of the 15-day ‘Harit Yagya’ organized on the occasion of the Harela festival at GBPU&AT, Pantnagar.
Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note
Lok Bhavan Dehradun/Udham Singh Nagar 16 July, 2026
Governor and Chancellor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) today participated in the launch of the 15-day ‘Harit Yagya’ (Green Campaign) organized on the occasion of the Harela festival at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. During the event, the Governor planted a Rudraksha sapling in the Tarai Bhavan campus and visited an exhibition showcasing various varieties of mangoes at Gandhi Hall.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that Harela is not merely a festival but an opportunity to express gratitude towards nature, farmers, and the motherland. He noted that Pantnagar University had once led the nation during the Green Revolution and emphasized that the time has now come for the institution to spearhead “Green Revolution 2.0.”
Highlighting the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data science, water conservation, carbon management, and modern agricultural technologies, he said that the future of agriculture must be climate-resilient, technology-driven, and farmer-centric. He urged the university’s scientists to ensure that every research outcome directly benefits farmers and improves their livelihoods.
Referring to Uttarakhand’s 71 percent forest cover and the historic contribution of women to environmental conservation, the Governor appreciated the university’s commitment to planting 50,000 saplings. He stressed that while planting trees is important, their protection and nurturing are even more crucial.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shailendra said that Harela is a living symbol of Indian culture and environmental conservation. Recalling the contributions of Gaura Devi, Amrita Devi Bishnoi, and the Chipko Movement, he called for the protection of water, forests, and land, and urged every citizen to plant and care for at least three trees.
In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Shivendra Kumar Kashyap said that Pantnagar University is the birthplace of India’s Green Revolution and continues to play a leading role in agricultural research, innovation, and the development of farmer-friendly technologies. He informed that the university recently organized Brain 3.0, which led to increased alumni engagement and the launch of several new agriculture- and innovation-focused initiatives.
During the programme, the Governor honoured Mr. Anoop Maurya for his exemplary work in dragon fruit cultivation by presenting him with a certificate of appreciation and a cash award of ₹1.25 lakh.
The Governor also felicitated five distinguished alumni of the university: Mr. Guru Inder Mohan Singh, Founder & CEO, Carbon Circle Mr. S.K. Gautam, CEO, Sarveer Agritech Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Manjul Pratap Singh, CEO, Oraizo Rice Ghar Agroworld Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Vijay Pratap Singh, Founder, Devalsari Naturals Mr. Rajat Vardhan, Founder & CEO, Scannext Scientific Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
The alumni pledged to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the university for projects including: Compressed biogas and biorefinery facilities, Automation in fertigation systems, Carbon mapping and carbon credit consultancy partnerships, Advanced research and development facilities for ready-to-eat functional food products, and Establishment of an Innovation and Agricultural Entrepreneurship Centre.
At the conclusion of the programme, Dr. Amit Bhatnagar, General Manager (Operation Farm), delivered the vote of thanks. He informed that the State Bank of India, Pantnagar Branch, has provided ₹3 lakh for the purchase of saplings and 500 tree guards for their protection.
The event was attended by the university’s Registrar, Controller, Deans, Directors, officials, faculty members, staff, students, farmers, alumni, and representatives of various social organizations.
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