Mandi: Vikramaditya Singh, Minister for Public Works and Urban Development, presided over the annual prize distribution ceremony at Dreamz College of Pharmacy near Sundernagar during his two-day visit. Addressing students, he said that year-long hard work builds success and that youth with positive thinking can overcome any challenge and take the state forward.
Speaking in Mandi, the minister said climate change is affecting hill regions through erratic rainfall and shifting weather patterns, impacting agriculture and horticulture. He stressed that development must go hand-in-hand with sustainability and that adopting modern technology is essential to prevent man-made disasters.
Highlighting Mandi’s importance in the state’s tourism-based economy, he urged conservation of natural resources and encouraged youth to embrace modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to contribute to the state’s growth.
Responding to political criticism, he cited projects such as the Pandoh Dam as examples of development. He noted that under Jawaharlal Nehru, key institutions like the Indian Space Research Organisation, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Indian Institutes of Technology were established, strengthening India’s global standing.
He also announced that the Public Works Department has signed an MoU with Indian Institute of Technology Ropar to train engineers in modern hill-area construction methods—such as scientific road cutting, drainage, and culvert construction—reducing future risks in areas like Mandi.
The event featured vibrant cultural performances by students. Dignitaries including former minister Prakash Chaudhary and Champa Thakur attended, along with other local leaders and guests.
