Keonjhar: The first Foundation Day of Dharanidhar University was celebrated with much gaiety Sunday. The college with the same name was established in 1957 for the development of higher education in the tribal-occupied Keonjhar district. It has now been granted university status. On the occasion, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena was present as chief guest. “Dharanidhar University will create a golden signature in the field of education and research if the ideals and dedicated attitude remain strong,” Jena stated. Jena was felicitated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Pratap Kumar Mohanty as the best student of the university.
Professor Ashok Kumar Das, Vice-Chairman, Higher Education Department attended the programme as the guest of honour. He advised the students to spend substantial time on their research projects. Professor Satyabrata Mishra delivered the welcome address and introduced the guests. Niladri Mishra was felicitated during the event for his contribution to cultural activities.
Eminent personalities of the district and the state also attended the event. Registrar Narendra Kumar Sahu gave the vote of thanks. “I wished all the staff, students, and locals of the university on the first Foundation Day. This district is full of mineral resources and so the state government is giving importance to it. It is a great feeling that the college established more than 65 years ago has now become a University,” Jena told media persons. ‘’We strive to create extraordinary universities, not ordinary ones. This is a rare university which has two campuses. Therefore, it has a high probability of further growth. So I request everyone to work to make it a different type of university. The government has sanctioned Rs 52 crore for the development of this university,” Jena added.