Education Minister Rohit Thakur highlights Himachal Pradesh’s progress in education; honours meritorious students at annual celebrations
Munish Sood
MANDI
Vijay Group of Institutions celebrated its 21st Raising Day at Bagla in Balh subdivision of Mandi district on Friday, marking more than two decades of its contribution to the field of education. Education Minister Rohit Thakur presided over the celebrations and honoured meritorious students for their outstanding achievements in various fields.
Extending his greetings to the institution on completing 21 years, Rohit Thakur said education was the strongest foundation of social development and an effective instrument for bringing positive transformation in people’s lives. He observed that the real success of an educational institution was reflected not merely in its infrastructure but in the knowledge, character, values and accomplishments of the students it nurtured.
Highlighting the state government’s initiatives in the education sector, the minister said Himachal Pradesh had made significant strides in improving the quality of education over the past four years. He said the state, which ranked 21st nationally in 2021 in terms of quality education, had now improved its position to fifth. Himachal Pradesh had also secured the first position in the country in the National Achievement Survey (NAS)-2025.
He further pointed out that the state’s performance in PARAKH-2024 was above the national average in foundational language and learning competencies. Similarly, Himachal Pradesh had improved its position from 13th to sixth in the Performance Grading Index. With a literacy rate of 99.55 per cent, the state had also achieved the distinction of becoming a fully literate state.
The Education Minister said the state government was encouraging meritorious students through scholarships and providing opportunities for educational exposure abroad to both students and teachers. Such initiatives, he said, would help them understand modern teaching methodologies, emerging technologies and global educational practices.
Emphasising the changing role of educational institutions, Thakur said that in an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving employment opportunities, education could no longer remain confined to securing good examination results. Institutions must equip students with practical knowledge, confidence and the ability to face real-life challenges. He urged students to set ambitious goals, work with dedication, respect their parents and teachers, make effective use of time and uphold the values of discipline, humility and sensitivity.
Appreciating the contribution of Vijay Group of Institutions, he said the institution’s NAAC accreditation was an important achievement and reflected its commitment to academic standards and quality education.
During the programme, the Education Minister, in the presence of other dignitaries, also laid the foundation stone for the proposed school building of the institution. He further participated in a plantation drive on the campus.
Chairman Gaurav Marwah, Chairperson Kavita Marwah, Principal Dr Deepti and other members of the institution’s management expressed gratitude to the minister for attending the celebrations and encouraging the students. Students presented a colourful cultural programme, adding to the celebrations.
Former minister Prakash Chaudhary, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Lal Thakur, Vice-Chairman of the Water Management Board Shashi Sharma, former Bilaspur MLA Tilak Raj Sharma, SC Department chairman Naresh Chauhan, District Congress president Champa Thakur, SC Cell chairman Bram Dass Chauhan, Balh SDM Smritika Negi, officers from various departments, Chairman-cum-Managing Director Gaurav Marwah, Wisdom Education Group Society Chairperson Kavita Marwah, Principal Dr Deepti, management representatives, faculty members, staff and a large number of students were present on the occasion.
