Udaipur- Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) has become the first university in the country to implement the recommendations of the National Education Policy.

At the 'Diksharambh 2024' event, held in the presence of Dr. Rakesh Chandra Agrawal, Deputy Director-General (Agricultural Education), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, the university announced the adoption of the recommendations of the Sixth Dean Committee for newly enrolled students.

This means that the new generation of students entering the first year of agricultural courses will now complete their education under the framework of the New Education Policy. More than 500 first-year students from various faculties across Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Bhilwara districts participated in the grand 'Diksharambh 2024' event, held at the Rajasthan College of Agriculture's new auditorium.

It is noteworthy that the Government of India established a committee in 2021 that took nearly four years to implement the New Education Policy. The primary goal of the policy is to provide high-quality education in agriculture and transform India into a 'knowledge society' by preparing students to tackle both national and global challenges. Dr. R.C. Agrawal, the chief guest and Deputy Director-General (Agricultural Education), ICAR, mentioned that the recommendations of the Sixth Dean Committee are encompassed in 1,340 pages, with 'Diksharambh' being one of these recommendations.

He emphasized that students should never experience stress but should learn in a joyful and enthusiastic environment. The National Education Policy advocates for the physical and mental well-being of learners. It is not the quantity of education or the number of degrees that matter, but the passion one carries.

Dr. Agrawal cited examples of several individuals like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Odisha's Padma Shri awardee poet Haldhar Nag, who, despite receiving minimal education, made a mark on the world due to their vision and passion. He further noted that 27% of India's population comprises youth, and with this demographic advantage, the nation is capable of achieving great things.

Dr. Agrawal also pointed out that the field of agriculture offers boundless opportunities. Many individuals, despite studying in other fields, have made exemplary contributions in organic and natural farming. Presiding over the event, Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnataka, Vice-Chancellor of MPUAT, highlighted the university's achievements, noting that in 2024, its scientists secured 25 patents, with more expected in the coming months. MPUAT has carved a niche for itself in natural and organic farming.

The deans and directors of various faculties, including Dr. R.B. Dubey, Dr. Dhriti Solanki, Dr. R.A. Kaushik, Dr. L.N. Panwar from Bhilwara, and Dr. R.P. Meena from Dungarpur, urged for the construction of hostels for students under the recommendations of the New Education Policy.

On Saturday, the Millet Hut was inaugurated at the university’s College of Community and Applied Sciences by Dr. Agrawal. He emphasized that this initiative is a significant step towards promoting the cultivation and use of millets in both rural and urban communities. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnataka stated that this initiative is crucial for reviving local and traditional foods, with the objective of encouraging the importance and health benefits of millets. Dean of the college, Dr. Dhriti Solanki, noted that this effort would prove to be a key initiative for the local residents and surrounding rural areas.