Dr. Ketan Mohitkar, ICTRD Member Secretary, Chief Guest at 79th Independence Day Celebration at Nagpur Gujarati Mandal Campus

The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with pride and enthusiasm at VMV Commerce, JMT Arts, and JJP Science College, Nagpur, where Dr. Ketan Mohitkar, Member Secretary of the Indian Council for Technical Research and Development (ICTRD), was invited as the Chief Guest. The celebration was marked by a patriotic atmosphere, inspiring speeches, and the inauguration of a vibrant arts exhibition.

ICTRD Member Secretary Dr. Ketan Mohitkar felicitated by Yogeshbhai Patel during the Independence day event

The event was graced by Yogeshbhai Patel, President of Shri Nagpur Gujarati Mandal; Col. Vikas C. Sharma, Commander of 20 Maharashtra Battalion, National Student Army, Nagpur, as a Special Guest; Adv. Narendrabhai Jha, Vice President of Shri Nagpur Gujarati Mandal, as a Special Invitee; and Dr. Abhay Mudgal, Principal of VMV College. Their presence added great significance and inspiration to the celebration.

Dr. Mohitkar was warmly welcomed by the college committee and management upon his arrival. This was followed by an interaction with the committee members, where he appreciated the college’s contribution to nurturing knowledge and values in students.

The formal program commenced with the Flag Hoisting Ceremony, performed by Dr. Mohitkar along with other dignitaries, accompanied by the singing of the National Anthem. The event then proceeded with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing knowledge and enlightenment.

Dr. Ketan Mohitkar, Yogeshbhai Patel, and Col. Vikas C. Sharma cutting the ribbon and inaugurating the Arts Exhibition

As a mark of honor, Dr. Mohitkar was felicitated by the college authorities for his contribution in the field of education and technology. Adding to the significance of the day, Dr. Mohitkar also performed the inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Arts Exhibition, organized by the college’s Arts Department, showcasing the creativity and talent of the students.

In his address to the gathering, Dr. Mohitkar expressed his deep sense of pride in being invited as the Chief Guest at such a reputed institution. He shared that returning to a college environment reminded him of his own student days and reinforced the importance of India’s comprehensive education system. He remarked, “Our education system is not only about chronology and facts but about wisdom, values, and vision.” In his speech, he also highlighted the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP), emphasizing that it is a transformative step towards fostering holistic development, multidisciplinary learning, and preparing students to meet the challenges of the future.

Dr. Ketan Mohitkar giving a speech and inspiring the attendees

He also emphasized the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP), noting that the government is working hard to align the education system with future needs while keeping it rooted in Indian traditions. Dr. Mohitkar said that keeping our freedom alive is an ongoing job—and it mostly depends on students to make sure it lasts.

He encouraged students to live by four guiding principles: never stop learning, use what you know to serve society, build your education on a foundation of strong values, blend tradition with modernity, and become not just job-capable, but truly able to thrive in life.

The program concluded with cultural activities and expressions of gratitude from the college authorities, who extended their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mohitkar for gracing the occasion with his presence and for his motivating words.