Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla emphasized the need for quality education, especially in rural regions, urging that educational institutions be evaluated not just on infrastructure but on the standard of teaching and how students’ talents are nurtured.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating undergraduate programmes at Sarvepalli Dr. Radhakrishnan College of Education, Nogli, in Rampur subdivision, Shimla district, the Governor highlighted the pivotal role of teachers and teacher training in shaping students. He stressed that training should align with Indian ethos and values, noting that a good teacher bears the responsibility of shaping good students. He recalled the traditional guru-shishya system, citing examples from Indian culture and history, including Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, to underscore the guru’s guiding role in society.
Referring to Dr. Radhakrishnan’s vision, he said teachers are not merely subject experts but architects of character, and urged the college to uphold these ideals. He added that the launch of undergraduate courses—B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com.—would provide local students access to higher education, fostering self-reliance.
The Governor also highlighted the National Education Policy as a platform to reconnect students with India’s thinkers and leaders, emphasizing the integration of ethics and values into education. He underlined the need to eliminate drug abuse to protect Himachal Pradesh’s youth.
On the occasion, the Governor released the book Assessment for Learning by Dr. Mukesh Kumar and Dr. Seema Bhardwaj and honored outstanding individuals from educational and social sectors, as well as meritorious students. The programme included cultural performances by students, and the college welcomed the Governor with felicitation and presentations on the new courses and free education initiatives for economically weaker students.
