President Ram Nath Kovind Tuesday hailed the sacrifice made by soldiers from Himachal Pradesh, saying the state sends a bigger percentage of its youth to the armed forces compared to other states.
He said the youths of the state have made a special identity in the armed forces with their supreme sacrifices and it is evident from the fact that four Paramvir Chakras have so far been awarded to soldiers of the state for their exemplary bravery.
He conferred gold medals to 11 meritorious students, including 10 girls, of the HPU.
"Girls are performing well in studies without any quota and if it continues like this, the day will come when man will need reservation," he said.
The president asked the students to play their respective roles in growth of the country. He congratulated them on birth anniversary of nuclear physicist Homi Jehangir Bhabha and hoped they will take inspiration from eminent personalities like him.
Speaking on the occasion, HP Governor Acharya Dev Vrat said, "If teachers, police personnel and politicians start doing their work in an honest way, our country may again become the world leader (Vishav Guru)."
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur recalled how he used to work as a student leader at the HPU.
In the ceremony, 180 students received PhD degrees.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)