Sunil Goyal
Gwalior: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav laid the foundation stone for Rishi Galav University at Bela village in Gwalior on Monday, declaring that universities are not only centres of higher education but also vital sites for nation‑building.
Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, CM Dr. Yadav stated that the proposed university, named after the revered sage Rishi Galav, will nurture future generations with Indian values, culture and modern skills, aligning academic excellence with national character formation. The event was presided over by Dr. Rajendra Bandil, President of Madhya Bharat Shiksha Samiti, the society spearheading the establishment of the university.
Dr. Yadav recalled that Gwalior has long been a historic seat of courage, scholarship and art and said that the foundation of Rishi Galav University marks a new chapter in the city’s educational and cultural legacy. He emphasised that the university will be built with the shared efforts of the state government and civil society, with the Government of Madhya Pradesh committed to providing all‑round support.
Dr. Yadav lauded the vision of Madhya Bharat Shiksha Samiti in reviving the illustrious tradition of Rishi Galav and said the university is planned to start its first academic session from Guru Purnima on 18 July 2027, with the entire campus expected to be completed within three years.
The foundation stone ceremony was held according to traditional Sanatana rituals, with the Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, performing Bhoomi Poojan by chanting Vedic mantras. The university will be developed on about 55 bighas of land at an estimated cost of Rs 110 crore, with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure including smart classrooms, digital library, computer labs, advanced laboratories and two large hostels. The curriculum will combine Indian knowledge traditions such as Indian philosophy, life values and heritage studies with modern science and technology, aiming to produce knowledgeable, character‑oriented and socially responsible citizens.
Among the chief guests, RSS All India Executive Committee member Suresh Soni delivered the main address, describing Rishi Galav University as an institution aimed at balanced development of both the individual and the environment. Soni said that while roads, buildings and gadgets represent only physical progress, true development takes place when human beings become more sensitive, thoughtful and value‑driven. He expressed confidence that graduates of this university would carry forward the legacy of ancient seats of learning like Nalanda and Takshashila and spread Indian knowledge and values across the world.
Presiding over the event, Dr. Rajendra Bandil reiterated that the university’s core focus will be on character‑building alongside job‑oriented education. He said that alongside existing employment oriented courses, the institution will introduce structured programmes on Indian knowledge systems, Indian life‑philosophy, religion and cultural heritage, ensuring that every student receives a strong ethical and cultural grounding. Dr. Bandil added that the university will also provide modern facilities, including smart classrooms, digital library and advanced laboratories, so that students can acquire both academic excellence and practical skills for the contemporary job market.
