President Ram Nath Kovind, on a visit to Himachal Pradesh, on Monday presided over the 9th convocation of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni in district Solan and presented gold medals to meritorious students on the occasion.

Accompanied by Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, the President presented gold medals to Rajesh Kumar, Bharti, Neha Verma, Ankita, Chirag Bhatia, Kritika Sharma, Priyanka Chauhan, and Manvi Sharma.

Apart from the gold medals, degrees were also awarded to 462 students during the convocation.

In his address, Acharya Devvrat urged the students to always acknowledge the contribution of teachers in shaping their lives, since whatever they have achieved in their life was due to the education and knowledge imparted by their teachers. He said to promote zero budget natural farming in the State, the University was implementing Zero Budget Natural Farming model in its campus.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur lauded the contribution of the University in producing best scientists and professionals for the State and the nation. "The students passing out from this university have earned name in various reputed institutes not only in India but throughout the world," he added.

Thakur said the State Government was promoting Zero Budget Natural Farming in a big way and has made a Budget provision of Rs 25 crore for the current financial year to promote natural farming.

Chief Minister said that keeping in view the importance of Horticulture in the economy of the farmers, the State Government has established two campuses of the University. He urged the scientists of the University to take research to the farms for strengthening economy of the State.

Vice Chancellor of the University Dr H.C. Sharma welcomed the President and other dignitaries and also read out Annual report on the occasion.

Prez presents gold medals to meritorious students