THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma Ji,
Esteemed Members of the University Community,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a matter of immense pride and privilege for me to join you on this historic culmination of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations and the 27th Foundation Day of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU). As Chancellor of this esteemed institution, I am proud and indeed inspired by the incredible journey this University has traversed over the last 25 years.
02. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, from its modest beginnings in Kashmere Gate, has grown into a remarkable institution, impacting lives not just in Delhi but far beyond. Today, with over 190 academic programs, across 40 disciplines and more than 90,000 students, this institution embodies the values of inclusivity, accessibility, and academic rigor.
03. Adding to its two campuses in Dwarka and Surajmal Vihar, the University's upcoming North Campus at Narela signifies a new chapter of growth and innovation. It will serve as a hub for pioneering programs and a catalyst for community engagement. I encourage all stakeholders to contribute to this transformative initiative, ensuring it sets benchmarks for higher education. Unless you work hard to achieve what you are aiming to, you will not be able to pave the way ahead. Somebody has right said:
यूँ ही नहीं होती हाथ की लकीरों के आगे उँगलियाँ,
रब ने भी किस्मत से पहले मेहनत लिखी है।
04. Remember, that you like other Indian Universities, are the inheritors of the golden legacies of academic brilliance that is intrinsic in our ancient knowledge systems. You are the inheritors of Nalanda, Takshashila, Vikramshila and Udantpuri. Therefore, you will have to walk that extra mile to achieve what you are aiming to.
Dear Friends,
05. GGSIPU’s journey till now has been punctuated with notable achievements. These include National and Global recognition in the form of consistent rankings by NAAC, NIRF and QS World. Similarly, its engagement with the start-up ecosystem by way of equity-based agreements and Atal Incubation Centre has been noteworthy. Its research imprint has been increasing and global partnerships have borne fruits.
06. However, these achievements are far from complete. They indeed should not make you complacent. The aim should be to continuously strive for excellence and further excellence. To my mind, you would have achieved a significant milestone when students from abroad start coming to you for their education as was the case, when Universities in India were global centres of learning, before foreign invasions ruined them. I am confident that you can achieve this goal by utilizing your full potential and working tirelessly in the right earnest.
महाकवि कालिदास ने कहा है:
काम की समाप्ति यदि संतोषजनक हो,
तो परिश्रम की थकान याद नहीं रहती।
Dear Friends,
07. The University’s focus on sustainable development and community engagement is exemplary. From adopting villages for holistic development to advancing green practices and creating an animal research facility, your initiatives align seamlessly with the broader goals of societal upliftment.
08. The recent commitment to setting up an offshore campus in Guyana is a bold and visionary step that reflects this institution's global ambition.
09. As we step into the next phase, the University is uniquely positioned to play a significant role towards Viksit Bharat@2047. Your key areas of focus should include:
Expanding academic programs in emerging disciplines to meet future demands.
Establishing cutting-edge infrastructure, including an indoor stadium, outdoor sports complex, and state-of-the-art academic blocks.
Strengthening global collaborations and advancing international partnerships.
Promoting the integration of Indian knowledge systems into modern academic frameworks.
Enhancing accessibility and inclusivity through innovative programs and scholarships.
10. As I wind up, I urge all members of the University community-faculty, students, alumni, and stakeholders to continue striving for excellence while keeping societal welfare at the heart of their efforts. Remember that the task of taking decisions that impact the society in a positive manner are not easy. You will be faced with unjustified criticism from every quarter that has vested interest in marinating the status quo.
बड़े निर्णय लेते वक्त डरना गलत बात नहीं है,
लेकिन डर के कारण, निर्णय ही न लें, ये गलत बात है।
11. मैं यहाँ अपने खुद का उदहारण देना चाहूँगा। मेरे ढाई वर्ष के कार्यकाल में मुझे रोकने की कई लोगों ने बहुत कोशिश की । यहाँ तक कि मेरे ऊपर निजी हमले भी किये गए। लेकिन जब लक्ष्य दिल्ली और दिल्ली के लोगों की भलाई है, तो ऐसी कोई भी ताकत मुझे रोक नहीं सकती। किसी ने बिलकुल सही कहा है:
अँधेरों कि साजिशें रोज रोज होती है,
फिर भी उजाले कि जीत हर सुबह होती है।
12. Friends,
You have to be persistent and undeterred in your endeavours towards achieving your goals and contributing to the welfare of the people at large. Let us ensure this University remains a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change. You also have the responsibility of contributing to the nation’s progress and global standing in your own unique ways as this is what would distinguish you from the rest. Always remember:
इंसान इत्र से नहीं बल्कि व्यक्तित्व से महकता है।
13. Finally, I extend my gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, the entire faculty of the University as indeed its students, who have worked towards making the University, where it stands today. Your dedication and perseverance have made this Institution a source of pride for Delhi and the Nation.
14. Together, let us celebrate our achievements and chart a course for an even brighter future, guided by the values of Guru Gobind Singh Ji-wisdom, courage, and service.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!