Prof. Simmi Agnihotri’s Jayanti Celebrated with Grandeur in Haroli

Una, September 29:- A grand remembrance and felicitation function was organized on Tuesday at Prof. Simmi Agnihotri Government College, Haroli, on the occasion of Prof. Simmi Agnihotri’s Jayanti. People had started arriving at the venue since morning, and soon the college campus was filled with thousands of people. Due to the large gathering, the available space at the venue also fell short. People participated in the function with great enthusiasm and warmth, paying respectful tribute to Prof. Simmi Agnihotri.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Mukesh Agnihotri paid a heartfelt tribute to Prof. Simmi Agnihotri by offering flowers at her statue installed on the college campus. He said that the memories of Prof. Simmi Agnihotri are still alive in the hearts of every resident of Haroli. Her warmth, readiness to help those in need, and her spirit of standing by people in their joys and sorrows had made her especially close to the people of the area. The gathering of a large number of people to respectfully remember her on her Jayanti reflects the deep affection and respect of the people of the area for Prof. Simmi Agnihotri.

**Function Dedicated to Girls, Students Seated in Front of the Stage**

The special feature of the function was that girl students of the college and schools were seated right in front of the stage, while separate arrangements were made for other dignitaries. The Deputy Chief Minister said that Prof. Simmi Agnihotri’s life was dedicated to children and education. Therefore, the programme has also been organized with children at its centre. He said that the educational environment has to be taken further and better opportunities have to be provided to the coming generations.

**Science Block of College to be Built at a Cost of Rs 9.50 Crore**

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri laid the foundation stone of the Science Block to be constructed at Prof. Simmi Agnihotri Government College, Haroli, at an estimated cost of about Rs 9.50 crore. He said that continuous efforts are being made to strengthen infrastructure in the field of education. The new science building will provide modern educational facilities to students and further improve the academic environment in the college. By next year, the number of students in this college will exceed 1,000.

**Gurdas Maan’s Performance Captivates the Audience, People Dance Along Till Late**

The special attraction of the function was the performance by renowned Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan. During his performance, the entire campus reverberated with applause and music, and people continued enjoying the songs till late.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri honoured Gurdas Maan and expressed his gratitude to him. He said that the people of Haroli had got an opportunity to listen to a great artist like Gurdas Maan. He said that people stand in long queues from far and wide to have his darshan, and today the same Gurdas Maan was present among the people of Haroli, introducing them to his art. Describing Gurdas Maan as a great artist of the world of music, he thanked him for coming to Haroli.

**Haroli Residents Participate Enthusiastically**

Enthusiastic participation of people from the area was witnessed at the function. People had started arriving since morning. Along with school and college students, a large number of local people, eminent citizens and people from different fields attended the function. People paid homage to the memories of Prof. Simmi Agnihotri and expressed their affection and respect for her.

**Prof. Simmi: A Beacon of Inspiration**

Prof. Simmi Agnihotri was born on September 29, 1968, in Mandi. As the wife of Deputy Chief Minister and Haroli MLA Mukesh Agnihotri, she had a deep and affectionate bond with the people of the Haroli area. As a senior professor in the Department of Public Administration at Himachal Pradesh University, she made significant contributions in the fields of teaching and research. Under her guidance, around 25 students obtained PhD and MPhil degrees. Her 14 international research papers, 13 international conference presentations, two research-oriented books and two academic books highlight her academic contribution. She carried out research on various subjects including tribal empowerment, gender equality, local governance and rural employment.

Along with education and research, she was also deeply connected with social concerns. She remained committed to girls’ education, keeping youth away from drugs, and helping poor, needy and helpless people. In 2023, she received international-level honours, including the International Best Teacher Award. She passed away on February 9, 2024, at the age of 56.

**Those Present**

Vice Chairman of the Planning Board and Fatehpur MLA Bhawani Singh Pathania, Palampur MLA Ashish Butail, Chamba Assembly constituency MLA Neeraj Nayyiar, Chintpurni Assembly constituency MLA Sudarshan Bablu, Nalagarh MLA Hardeep Baba, former minister Kuldeep Dhiman, Himcofed Chairman Vikram Sharma Dikki, Himfed Chairman Maheshwar Chauhan, HRTC Vice Chairman Ajay Verma, Congress State General Secretary Ranjit Rana, District President Deshraj Gautam, Youth Congress State Working President Akhil Agnihotri, Haroli Block Congress President Sandeep Agnihotri, District Mahila Congress President Suman Thakur, District Youth Congress President Prashant Rai, Jal Board member Pawan Thakur, State Transport Authority member Ashok Thakur and other dignitaries were present.