Youth Vital for India’s Economic Growth: Governor CP Radhakrishnan

Youth Should Play a Key Role in India’s Economic Growth: Telangana and Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan

(Mulugu, Siddipet District) – Inaugurating the third convocation of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University on June 11, Telangana and Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan emphasized the pivotal role of youth in transforming India into a $30 trillion GDP economy by 2047. He highlighted the government’s focus on natural and organic agriculture, which comprises over 18% of India’s GDP, and stressed the increasing significance of the horticulture and forestry sectors.

Governor Radhakrishnan noted that agriculture is the main income source for over 70% of the rural population, with more than 82% being small and marginal farmers. He urged students to persevere through challenges and draw inspiration from leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who have significantly impacted global and national progress. He underscored that quality in education and other aspects is crucial for success and assured that Raj Bhavan is committed to enhancing educational standards.

Dr. Geethalakshmi, Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and chief guest at the event, called for a focus on technology-based agriculture to ensure sustainable food and nutritional security amidst diminishing land and natural resources, and climate change. She advocated for the adoption of precision farming, big data, AI, robots, drones, and remote sensing to boost crop productivity. Dr. Geethalakshmi also emphasized the need for better post-harvest storage facilities and advanced techniques like speed breeding, gene editing, and gene pyramiding to develop resilient crop varieties.

Encouraging students to become job providers, Dr. Geethalakshmi highlighted the potential of agro and horticultural industries for Skill India. She expressed optimism that hard work and skill development would lead to success.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. B. Neeraja Prabhakar presented the progress report and welcomed the attendees. She outlined the university’s initiatives in training students, offering technical advice to farmers, and researching local crops like Balanagar custard apple and Armuru turmeric. Dr. Prabhakar also mentioned the publication of a science-based horticultural guide and the extension programs aimed at disseminating horticultural knowledge to farmers.

Awards and Degrees

R. Varalakshmi received three gold medals for achieving the highest OGPA in BSc Honors Horticulture. K. Ravali received the PCCF Gold Medal in BSc Honors Forestry, K. Pratyusha earned the Dean’s Gold Medal, and M. Malavika was awarded three gold medals for her achievements in MSc Horticulture. Other gold medal recipients included GS Divya in fruit science, P. Vidya Sree in floriculture and landscaping, and P. Maheshwari in plantation, spices, medicinal, and aromatic crops.

Degrees were awarded to 156 horticulture graduates, 50 forestry graduates, 45 horticulture postgraduates, 30 forestry postgraduates, and six PhD recipients.

The ceremony was attended by university officials, including Registrar Dr. A. Bhagwan, Dean Dr. M. Rajasekhar, Research Director Dr. Kiran, DSA Dr. Vijay, Controller of Examinations Dr. Sreenivas, Telangana Commissioner of Horticulture Ashok Reddy, and board member Dr. RK Mathur, along with professors and students.