Varsities asked to observe 'Surgical Strike Day'

Narendra Modi government has decided to observe September 29 as “surgical strike day,” according to the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Referring to the central government's decision in a latest circular, the higher education regulator on Thursday asked all the universities to organise various activities on their campuses on September 29.

Indian troops crossed the LoC and targetted terrorist camps on September 29, 2016 in retaliation to a deadly terror attack at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir

“The Government of India has decided to observe 'Surgical Strike Day' on September 29, 2018,” UGC said in a circular posted on its website on Thursday evening.

It asked the higher education institutions to organise a special parade of NCC cadets on the said date.

“After which NCC commander shall address them on the modalities of protection of the borders,” UGC secretary Rajnish Jain said in the circular.

He also suggested the higher education institutions to organising call ex-servicemen to their campus on the day to sensitise the students about the sacrifices made by the armed forces in protecting the borders.

To mark the occasion, a multimedia exhibition will be organised around the India Gate here in Delhi on September 29.

“Similar exhibitions may be organised at all the state capitals/union territories and important towns/cantonments all over India,” Jain suggested.

The UGC asked the institutions to make students take a pledge in support of the armed forces by writing letters and cards.

“This may be produced in both physical and digital format,” Jain said.

These letters and cards will be shared with the Public Relation Officer of the Defence Ministry and the Press Information Bureau “for publicity” across various media, he added.

While the exhibition will be a public event, the institutions should “encourage” their faculty members and students to visit these exhibitions, Jain suggested.

“All higher education institutions are requested to take steps for these activities,” he added.