UHF varsity Confers Citation of Honour on Prof. Prem Lal Gautam

Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, accorded a grand felicitation to its distinguished alumnus, former faculty member and eminent agricultural scientist Padma Shri Prof. Prem Lal Gautam, conferring upon him the University's Citation of Honour in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Indian agriculture, agricultural research, education and public policy.

The programme began with a traditional Himachali welcome to Prof. Gautam and his wife. Kamla Gautam. The University's Citation of Honour was read before the gathering, following which the audience accorded Prof. Gautam a standing ovation in recognition of his exceptional contributions to agricultural education. The Citation of Honour was presented by the Vice-Chancellor Prof HS Baweja, during a special ceremony attended by statutory officers, retired faculty members, scientists, students and staff of the University.  

Alumnus of the erstwhile College of Agriculture, Solan, Prof. Gautam  also served the University as Dean, College of Forestry. During his distinguished career spanning more than five decades, he held several of the highest positions in Indian agriculture, including Deputy Director General, ICAR, Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority, and Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority. He currently serves as the Chancellor of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. Recently, he was conferred the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honours, for his distinguished service in the field of Science and Engineering. The Himachal Government also honoured him with the Himachal Gaurav Puraskar.

Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. H.S. Baweja described the occasion as a proud milestone in the University's history. He said that honouring Prof. Gautam was a tribute not only to an eminent scientist but also to an inspiring alumnus and former faculty member whose achievements continue to bring laurels to the University. He remarked that Prof. Gautam's remarkable journey from the classrooms of Solan to the highest levels of agricultural leadership in the country serves as an enduring inspiration for students, researchers and young scientists. The Vice-Chancellor said the University cherishes its association with Prof. Gautam and remains committed to carrying forward the ideals of excellence, innovation and service that he exemplifies.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Prem Lal Gautam expressed deep gratitude for the honour and described his return to the University as an emotional and nostalgic experience. He said that revisiting the institution where he studied and later served as a faculty member filled him with cherished memories and immense pride. Appreciating the remarkable growth of the University over the years, he urged the faculty, staff, students and alumni to continue working collectively for its further advancement and national prominence.

Prof. Gautam paid rich tributes to the country's farmers and agricultural scientists, stating that the remarkable progress achieved in Indian agriculture has been possible because of their dedication, resilience and scientific innovations. Addressing the students, he encouraged them to pursue excellence with determination, emphasizing that sustained hard work is the only path to success and that there are no shortcuts to meaningful achievement.

Highlighting the changing landscape of agricultural research, he stressed the importance of building strong and collaborative research teams capable of addressing complex challenges. He called for greater emphasis on anticipatory research to prepare agriculture for emerging issues related to climate change, food security and evolving technologies. Referring to the growing importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), he observed that the future of agricultural innovation lies in meaningful collaboration between institutions, industry and farmers, supported by highly motivated and skilled human resources.

Prof. Gautam also urged students and young professionals to give equal importance to their physical and mental well-being. He encouraged them to adopt healthy lifestyles through regular yoga, meditation and positive habits, noting that professional excellence must be complemented by good health and personal discipline. He concluded by advising everyone to remain connected with their alma mater and professional communities, emphasizing that enduring relationships and collective efforts are essential for institutional growth and national development.

Prof. Gautam was also felicitated by the Indian Farmer Alliance (IFA) and the UHF Retired Teachers Association, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to agricultural science and his enduring association with the institution. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dean Students' Welfare Dr. S.K. Bhardwaj.