Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) and the Indian Army’s 4 Corps, popularly known as the Gajraj Corps, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between academia and the armed forces.
The agreement aims to promote academic engagement, experiential learning, research collaboration, knowledge sharing, leadership development and greater interaction between students and Army personnel. It is also intended to provide students with a deeper understanding of the strategic, socio-cultural and developmental aspects of the Northeast region.
The programme witnessed the simultaneous signing of similar MoUs between the Gajraj Corps and Assam’s Gauhati University and Tezpur University.
RGU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shivaraj described the MoU as a significant milestone, saying universities must equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical exposure and broader perspectives on nation-building.
Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta said regular interaction between universities and the Army could help develop strategic awareness among students and deepen their understanding of the Northeast. Tezpur University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amarendra Kumar Das noted that such collaborations connect classroom learning with real-world experiences while promoting leadership and knowledge sharing.
Gajraj Corps General Officer Commanding Lt. Gen. Neeraj Shukla emphasized that stronger ties between academic institutions and the Army would help young people better understand the region’s developmental and security challenges and inspire responsible citizenship.
RGU Registrar N.T. Rikam said the partnership would create long-term opportunities for academic interaction, research, field studies, internships, career grooming for the Armed and Paramilitary Forces, character building and national integration. He added that the collaboration aligns with the broader vision of contributing to national development and security.
RGU Joint Registrar David Pertin said the partnership would help bridge gaps between academic institutions and the armed forces while enhancing opportunities for students, faculty members, Army personnel, veterans and families associated with the Army. He noted that the initiative also supports the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
As part of the programme, students from the three universities were flagged off for a forward-area tour under the Gajraj Corps’ “Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan” initiative. The tour is designed to provide firsthand exposure to operational environments and the responsibilities of soldiers serving in remote border areas.
During the four-day educational visit, 30 selected students and their faculty escorts will travel to Missamari in Assam and Bumla and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. The participants will visit important sites, including the Drone Nursery, Subedar Joginder Singh War Memorial and Holy Water Fall.
