It is a day of reckoning for HPU Maitree. It reveals University’s Academic Struggles Amid Political Dominance.. HPU university has yet to appoint a full time V-C as CM has yet to take call even after a year... 

SHIMLA: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu kicked off the two-day Maitree program at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) for its 90s alumni.

It wasn't just a reunion but a moment of reckoning.

Amidst nostalgic reminiscing about their university days, alumni couldn't help but confront HPU’s struggle with academic performance, underscored by its poor National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) score and NAAC accreditation graph.

HPU: A Political Hotbed Over Academic Powerhouse

For decades, HPU has gained a reputation more for fostering politicians than producing academic achievers.

Chief Minister Sukhu himself credited the university for laying the groundwork for his political career. 

However, this legacy of political nurturing has come at the expense of academic excellence, a reality that the Maitree event sought to address.

But CM did not focus on how HPU Maitree can help nurture academic excellence. 

SCA Elections Back on the Table

In a bid to shake student politics up, Sukhu hinted at the possibility of resuming the Students’ Central Association (SCA) elections.

This move could stir the campus politics pot, which has often overshadowed the university's academic goals.

New Educational Initiatives

Despite the challenges, the CM highlighted several educational initiatives. The state is now offering English medium instruction starting from class one in government schools.

The Proposed Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools are in the pipeline for each of the 68 assembly constituencies, he told the gathering.

These schools aim to offer top-notch facilities and modern teaching techniques, a much-needed upgrade for the state's education system.

But over 16 months on, a model school is yet to be grounded to inspire his confidence.  

Economic and Social Commitment

Sukhu also spoke about efforts to stabilize Himachal Pradesh’s finances and reiterated his zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

The government is taking steps to make the state self-reliant and aims to be the most prosperous in India by 2032.

Initiatives like the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray scheme, which supports 4,000 orphan children, and the planned Center of Excellence for differently-abled individuals in Solan, reflect this commitment.

₹2 Crore Boost for Alumni Association

The CM announced a ₹2 crore grant for the HPU Alumni Association, aimed at boosting its infrastructure.

He also released three books and granted free lifetime membership in the alumni association to four specially-abled students.

Political Leaders Reflect on HPU Days

BJP MLA and ex-party president  Satpal Singh Satti joined Sukhu in reflecting on their HPU days.

Despite differing political views, both agreed that their time at HPU shaped their political skills.

With 25 student leaders from HPU now in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the university's political impact is clear, but it has come with a cost to its academic standing.

Looking Forward

Union Minister JP Nadda and former Union Minister Anand Sharma, both HPU alumni, were among the prominent figures who made national headlines.

Professor Chandramohan Parshira, President of the Alumni Association, announced plans to adopt Neri vilaage in Shimla district for comprehensive development, symbolizing a step towards a more academically focused future for HPU.

Theatre Artist Rakesh Chandel’s Call for HPU’s First “Mantri” Reunion

Theatre artist Rakesh Chandel is rallying alumni from the 1990s to 2000s for a unique reunion.

Chandel, reflecting on his journey from HPU's Physics Department to the stages of AIR Shimla's Gaiety Theatre, attributes his success to his university days and theatre experiences.

"This reunion is a first-of-its-kind for HPU," said Chandel, known as “Gandhi” among friends. "We’re bringing together alumni who have become prominent in business, politics, and education. Let’s reconnect and celebrate our roots. If you're an HPU alum, don’t miss out—register now and join the friendship group!"

As the Maitree program concluded, it left HPUites with a mix of nostalgia and a pressing question: Can HPU balance its political legacy with a renewed focus on academic excellence?