Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: The 75th Republic Day celebration was organized in Guru Ghasidas University (Central University) on January 26, 2024 in the courtyard located near the administrative building of the university. Vice-Chancellor Professor Alok Kumar Chakrawal hoisted the national flag.

On the auspicious occasion of Republic Day, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alok Kumar Chakrawal, as a gift to the students, announced an increase in the number of 'Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya Swabhiman Thali' (GST) from 500 to 1000 per day. Guru Ghasidas Central University is the only higher education institution in the country where a project like 'Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya Swabhiman Thali' is running, initiated and run by the students, for the students. Prof. Chakrawal stated that this initiative has been taken in line with the fulfillment of the university's higher responsibilities as the only Central University in Chhattisgarh, catering to the social and local needs while giving utmost priority to the interests and all-round development of the students.

On the auspicious occasion of Republic Day, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Alok Kumar Chakrawal mentioned that the initiative, which started with 200 students a year ago, has now reached the milestone of 1000 thalis. He expressed his resolve to make Swabhiman Thalis available to all students in the future. He highlighted the success of the 'Swabhiman Thali' initiative which is being discussed in various higher education institutions across the country. In this scheme started to support the idea of ‘Swachh Bharat, Swasthya Bharat’, the volunteers associated with the National Service Scheme of the University are playing an important role.

The 75th Republic Day celebration was organized in the courtyard near the administrative building of the university. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alok Kumar Chakrawal, hoisted the national flag. The Registrar of the University, Prof. Manish Kumar Shrivastava and the Dean, Student Welfare, Prof. Shailendra Kumar were also present.

In his address during the celebration, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alok Kumar Chakrawal extended greetings for the 75th Republic Day to all present and urged the youth to become self-reliant and without wasting time, contribute in making India a developed nation. He mentioned that the university is soon going to undergo a NAAC assessment that will establish it at the national level with top ranking. He called upon everyone to actively and collectively contribute to this endeavor.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chakrawal emphasized that the key mantra for making India a developed nation by 2047 is the complete dedication to their respective duties and responsibilities by everyone. He highlighted the significant contribution of the tribes in the independence of India, urging the need to remember their sacrifices, from martyr Veer Narayan to the unparalleled sacrifice of the great warrior, Tantya Bhil.

Before this, Vice-Chancellor Professor Alok Kumar Chakrawal and the Registrar, Prof. Manish Shrivastava offered flowers before the statue of Saint Guru Ghasidas Ji. Flowers were also offered before the portrait of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Vice-Chancellor observed the march past of NCC, NSS and security guards and took the salute. On this occasion, the volunteers of the National Service Scheme of the University presented a dance full of patriotism.

At the end of the program, the Registrar, Prof. Manish Shrivastava expressed gratitude, thanking everyone. The program was conducted by Dean Student Welfare, Prof. Shailendra Kumar. Prasad was distributed on this occasion. Deans, heads of departments, teachers, officers, employees, research scholars, and a large number of students of various schools of the university were present on this occasion.

'Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya Swabhiman Thali' (GST) is operated with the support of donors

This scheme is being executed by the university through active participation of the society. The university expects cooperation from everyone in this sacred work. Those esteemed donors who wish to contribute can contact Dr. Dilip Jha, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Coordinator of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya Swabhiman Thali' (GST) on phone number 9926003033.