TNR News Network
Dharamshala
Former Union Minister and BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Friday called upon alumni of Government College Dharamshala to play an active role in the institution’s future development, describing former students as its true brand ambassadors and one of its greatest assets.
Addressing the second session of the college’s centenary celebrations organized by the Old Students Association (OSA), Thakur said that being an alumnus was a lifelong honor and a lasting bond with one’s alma mater. He commended former students for returning to celebrate the institution’s historic milestone and encouraged them to give back to the college that had significantly contributed to their personal and professional growth.
Tracing the institution’s rich history, Thakur noted that while Government College Dharamshala was formally established in 1926, its roots date back to May 4, 1912, with the formation of the Dharamshala Education Board Trust. He said the institution had upheld a legacy of academic excellence, discipline, and educational distinction for over a century.
Highlighting the college’s pioneering role in higher education, he pointed out that it was among the first institutions in the region to introduce undergraduate geology courses in the 1950s and became the first college in Himachal Pradesh to launch postgraduate programmes in 1977.
Thakur also paid tribute to the institution’s distinguished military and sporting legacy. He remembered decorated alumni such as Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, a recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra renowned for his role in the defense of Skardu, and Captain Chander Narayan Singh, who displayed exceptional courage in service to the nation.
The college has also produced several accomplished sportspersons who have represented the state and country at national and international levels, including international kabaddi players Jyoti Thakur and Pooja Thakur, as well as triple jump record-holder Vikram Chaudhary, he said.
Emphasizing the importance of alumni involvement, Thakur urged the college administration to actively engage former students in its future initiatives. Citing the example of late former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who facilitated alumni support for infrastructure development at Shri Ram College of Commerce, he said alumni could contribute by mobilizing resources, providing career guidance, building professional networks, and creating internship and placement opportunities for current students.
“The college has provided generations of students with opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. It is now our responsibility to contribute towards strengthening the institution for future generations,” he said.
Looking ahead, Thakur proposed leveraging the expertise of alumni working in artificial intelligence and technology to transform the college’s library, which houses more than 62,000 books, into a modern digital knowledge ecosystem. Such an initiative, he said, would improve access to learning resources and better equip students for the future.
He also appreciated the Old Students Association for launching a centenary souvenir and an alumni directory under its ‘100 Initiatives in 100 Years’ programme.
Among those present on the occasion were OSA President Sanjeev Gandhi, Founder President Ashok Sharma, General Secretary Dr. Ashwani Kaul, former MLA Sanjay Chaudhary, Shashwat Kapoor, Kamal Sharma, Umesh Dutt, Ravi Dutt Sharma, Dr. Vishal Nehria, Dr. N.D. Sharma, Vijay Jaikaria, and several other distinguished alumni.
