Excelsior Correspondent
![Prof P N Shastri giving prize and certificate to a meritorious student during Annual Day of SMVD Gurukul on Monday.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/page913-300x169.jpg)
KATRA, Aug 31: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul, Charan Paduka, Katra celebrated its 6th Annual Day by organising an impressive function at the auditorium of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Kakryal.
Prof. P. N. Shastri, Vice-Chancellor, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Deemed University, New Delhi, was the chief guest on this occasion, while Dr. S. S. Bloeria, Member, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Gurukul, presided over the function.
Prof. Shastri lit the ceremonial lamp in the presence of Dr. Bloeria, Prof. Sudhir K. Jain, Vice-Chancellor, SMVD University, Kakryal, Ajeet Kumar Sahu, CEO, SMVDSB, Prof. Y. K. Mishra, Prof. Vishwamurty Shastri and other dignitaries to mark the commencement of the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shastri highlighted the importance of Sanskrit and complimented the parents of the students for sending their children to the Gurukul to study Sanskrit language and literature. He said that the students of Gurukul have a very high responsibility of promoting the Sanskrit language.
Prof. Shastri gave prizes and certificates to the meritorious students on the occasion who have excelled in academics, sports and various other extra-curricular activities.
Dr. Bloeria, on this occasion, honoured Anil Sharma, ex-Administrator of the Gurukul and former Dy. CEO of the Shrine Board, for his dedicated services to the Gurukul by presenting to him a memento.
Earlier, Mr. Sahu in his welcome address, gave details about the functioning of the Gurukul and the constant endeavours being made to develop it as a centre of excellence. He particularly threw light on the laudable performance of the students in academics and extra-curricular activities year after year. Presently, 112 students are studying from 6th to 11th classes at this fully residential Gurukul. The students are being imparted education in the Vedas, Sanskrit, religious scriptures, Karamkand and Pooja rituals, apart from being taught all modern subjects including Science, Mathematics and Computers at the Gurukul. The Shrine Board provides free education, boarding, lodging, uniforms, books etc. to the students who are selected after an entrance exam. The Shrine Board has also made elaborate arrangements for indoor and outdoor games at the Gurukul for all round personality development of the students.
Mr. Sahu presented mementos to Prof. Shastri, Dr. Bloeria, Prof. Jain, Prof. Mishra and Prof. Vishwamurty Shastri on this occasion.
Pankaj Gupta, DyCEO, SMVDSB and Administrator of the Gurukul, presented a Vote of Thanks.
Dr. Devendra Rijal, Senior Acharya of the Gurukul, presented Annual Report of the institution giving details of the achievements registered in academics and extra-curricular activities during the past one year.
Anil Sharma presented a set of books comprising one set each of encyclopaedia, autobiographies and general reading books for children on this occasion.
The students of the Gurukul staged an impressive Sanskrit play on the occasion which was highly appreciated by the audience.
Among those present on the occasion were Dr. M. K. Kumar, Additional CEO, Pankaj Sharma and Amit Vermani, DyCEOs, Gopal Dass Sharma, Head Pujari, Bhawan, Brig. (Retd) Man Mohan Harjai, Chief Administrative Officer, SMVDIME, Dr. Vinod Gupta, Director, Medical Services, SMVDSB, Ajay Khajuria, Registrar of SMVD University, other officers and staff of the Shrine Board, teaching faculty and staff of the Gurukul, besides students and their parents.