(25th April 1919 - 17th March 1989)
Late Sri Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna was a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on the Indian Political System. Born in an ordinary family in 1919 in Bughani, Pauri Garhwal, he pursued his early education in the Garhwal region and higher education with great determination and diligence at Allahabad University, Uttar Pradesh, which shaped his academic and political career. His far-reaching visions and commitment to inclusive growth in India contributed to the multi-religious and multi-ethnic fabric of Indian society.
Rising from the lowest strata in politics, he touched the zeniths of his political career with the lucid ideology of patriotism, detachment from selfish motives and uncompromising to fundamentalism and regionalism. Late Sri Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna was a man of commitment by his life of being an eternal karma yogi and a veteran politician. He lifted the glory of Garhwal and India to supernal heights.
The history of his political life is full of ups and downs, but despite the blows of time and fate, he steered the wheel of his life like the ever-flowing sacred Ganga river. Late Sri Hemvati Nandan, the son of mountain, proved true to his name. He never lost his cool, even in the odds emerging off and on in his life. He was one of few politicians in India who advocated corruption-free, neat and clean administration. He held many ministerial positions in the Union and State Government.
He believed that the autonomy of the democratic institutions should be respected and maintained by the executive machinery. He advocated liberty for the Universities during his tenure as the 8th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (1973-1975). He took special care to maintain the dignity of the status of the Vice-Chancellors. His tremendous passion and concerns towards higher education, is commended by the academic community to this day with gratitude. We embrace his persona for efficient administration and strong commitment, which illustrate the all-round development of Garhwal University. Adopting the name of Late Sri Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna for the Garhwal University overwhelming portrays his distinctive vision for inclusive quality higher education in the region. We honour Late Sri Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna, the true son of the mountain, for inspiring Indian Political and Educational institutions.