The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at Varun Arjun University and the Varun Arjun Medical College & Rohilkhand Hospital campus, Banthara, Shahjahanpur. The entire campus was beautifully decorated with tricolour balloons, festoons and flags, while students participated enthusiastically dressed in tricolour attire and wearing patriotic badges. The Chief Guest, renowned cancer surgeon Dr. Arjun Agarwal, and the Guest of Honour, senior oncopathologist Dr. Cheena Agarwal, graced the occasion.
At the Flag Ground, Dr. Arjun Agarwal and Dr. Cheena Agarwal jointly hoisted the National Flag. NCC cadets and students presented the ceremonial salute, followed by the National Anthem. The main programme commenced in the auditorium with the traditional lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana.
In his address, Chief Guest Dr. Arjun Agarwal highlighted India’s progress since independence, the Green Revolution and the country’s journey towards self-reliance. He called upon the youth to strive for excellence in the fields of medicine, education and technology and contribute meaningfully to nation-building. Principal Dr. R.N. Shukla welcomed the dignitaries and expressed his gratitude to all those present. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and urged everyone to take a pledge of dedicated service to the nation.
Guest of Honour Dr. Cheena Agarwal emphasized that compassion is one of the greatest qualities of an excellent physician. She observed that a patient seeks not only medicines but also empathy, understanding and a sense of belonging. She urged everyone to rise above caste, religion and community and to treat every human being with compassion and dignity.
In their joint message, Chancellor Dr. Keshav Kumar Agarwal, Pro-Chancellor Dr. Ashok Kumar Agarwal and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kiran Agarwal extended their warm wishes to everyone on the occasion. They encouraged students to follow the path of integrity, hard work, compassion and service to the nation, while reaffirming the institution’s commitment to excellence in education, healthcare and research.
The students presented a vibrant array of patriotic group songs, solo performances, dances and short plays depicting the freedom struggle, the sacrifices of India’s brave freedom fighters, the pain of Partition and glimpses of modern India. The programme was attended by Medical Superintendent Dr. Pandit S. Pawar, Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Deepak Chaturvedi, Heads of Departments, doctors, medical faculty members and a large number of students.
The event concluded with a collective pledge to uphold national unity and integrity and to contribute towards the progress and development of the nation.