The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great pride and patriotism at VMV Commerce, JMT Arts, and JJP Science College, Nagpur, under the auspices of the Nagpur Gujarati Mandal Campus. The highlight of the event was the presence of Dr. Ketan Mohitkar, Member Secretary of the Indian Council for Technical Research and Development (ICTRD), who graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
The event was graced by Yogeshbhai Patel, President of Shri Nagpur Gujarati Mandal; Col. Vikas C. Sharma, Commander of 20 Maharashtra Battalion, National Student Army, Nagpur, as a Special Guest; Adv. Narendrabhai Jha, Vice President of Shri Nagpur Gujarati Mandal, as a Special Invitee; and Dr. Abhay Mudgal, Principal of VMV College. Their presence added great significance and inspiration to the celebration.
Dr. Mohitkar was accorded a warm welcome by the management and faculty, followed by interactions with committee members where he lauded the institution’s efforts in nurturing knowledge, values, and creativity among students.
The formal program commenced with the Flag Hoisting Ceremony, led by Dr. Mohitkar along with other dignitaries, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. He later inaugurated the Arts Exhibition, organized by the Arts Department, showcasing students’ talent and innovation. In recognition of his contribution to education and technology, Dr. Mohitkar was also felicitated by the authorities of the institution.
In his keynote address, Dr. Mohitkar expressed immense pride in being invited as Chief Guest. He reflected on his own student days, emphasizing that India’s education system must continue to be rooted in values and vision. He remarked, “Our education system is not only about chronology and facts, but about wisdom, values, and vision.”
Highlighting the National Education Policy (NEP), Dr. Mohitkar called it a transformative framework aimed at holistic development, multidisciplinary learning, and preparing students for the challenges of the future. He reminded the gathering that safeguarding the nation’s freedom is an ongoing responsibility that lies heavily on the shoulders of today’s youth.
The program concluded with cultural performances and a vote of thanks, where the college management expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Mohitkar for his motivating presence and inspiring words.
The celebration not only honored the spirit of Independence but also underscored Dr. Mohitkar’s vision of education as the foundation of a progressive and responsible society.