Delhi L-G T.S. Sandhu urges Kirori Mal College freshers to build curiosity
Synopsis
Delhi L-G T.S. Sandhu used the Kirori Mal College freshers’ orientation to deliver a personal message — drawing on his own Delhi University education to tell incoming students the foundation for national service is built right here. He also inaugurated an incubation centre, signalling a push to make the 70-year-old institution a launchpad for student innovation.
Key Takeaways
Sandhu addressed the Freshers’ Orientation Programme 2026 at Kirori Mal College , University of Delhi, on Saturday, 1 August 2026 .
Sandhu urged students to cultivate intellectual curiosity , scientific temperament, and independent thinking.
He inaugurated the Kirori Mal College Incubation Centre , linking it to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
The new Science Block Lift was also inaugurated, cited as a step toward accessibility and inclusiveness.
Sandhu described himself as ‘a product of Delhi University,’ having completed both graduation and post-graduation in Delhi.
Kirori Mal College has been a flagship institution of the University of Delhi for more than seven decades .
Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on Sunday, 2 August 2026 shared highlights of his address at the Freshers' Orientation Programme 2026 of Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, calling on incoming students to cultivate intellectual curiosity, scientific temperament, and independent thinking. The address, delivered on Saturday at the north campus institution, also saw Sandhu inaugurate two new facilities at the college.
What the L-G Said to Students
Drawing on his own academic background, Sandhu told students: “I am a product of Delhi University,” noting that he completed both his graduation and post-graduation in Delhi without studying abroad. He said whatever he had been able to contribute in national service overseas was built on the foundation laid at Delhi University.
His core message to the freshers was to “believe in themselves, have confidence in India’s institutions, opportunities, and their own capabilities” — and that “the future was theirs to shape.” He also encouraged them to embrace values of service, integrity, and excellence throughout their academic journey.
Incubation Centre and Infrastructure Inaugurated
Sandhu inaugurated the Kirori Mal College Incubation Centre during the event, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark that “India’s university campuses are emerging as dynamic centres where Yuva Shakti drives breakthrough innovations.” The L-G underlined that as India moves toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047, universities must continue to nurture research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
He also inaugurated the college’s new Science Block Lift, describing it as a reflection of the institution’s commitment to accessibility and inclusiveness for all students.
Kirori Mal College: Seven Decades of Legacy
Sandhu acknowledged that Kirori Mal College has remained one of the flagship institutions of the University of Delhi for more than seven decades. The college, established in 1954, is consistently ranked among the top undergraduate colleges in the country and has produced alumni across public service, academia, and industry.
This comes amid a broader push by the Delhi administration to deepen university-industry linkages and promote a culture of innovation on campuses, aligned with the National Education Policy framework.
What Comes Next
The inauguration of the incubation centre signals an intent to position Kirori Mal College as a hub for student-led startups and applied research. How effectively the centre translates that intent into outcomes will depend on mentorship infrastructure, funding access, and faculty engagement in the months ahead.
Point of View
One that resonates with a government keen to build confidence in domestic institutions. The incubation centre inauguration is the more consequential act: India has dozens of campus incubators that exist largely on paper. Whether Kirori Mal’s centre develops real startup pipelines or becomes another ribbon-cutting photo will be the real measure of this visit.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Delhi L-G T.S. Sandhu say at Kirori Mal College’s Freshers’ Orientation 2026?
Sandhu urged incoming students to cultivate intellectual curiosity, scientific temperament, and independent thinking, while embracing values of service, integrity, and excellence. He also shared a personal reflection, noting he is a product of Delhi University and had never studied abroad.
What did L-G Sandhu inaugurate at Kirori Mal College?
Sandhu inaugurated the Kirori Mal College Incubation Centre and the Science Block Lift during the orientation event. The incubation centre is intended to foster student-led innovation, while the lift was described as a commitment to accessibility for all students.
What is the Kirori Mal College Incubation Centre?
It is a newly inaugurated facility at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, aimed at nurturing student entrepreneurship, research, and innovation. Its launch aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision for university campuses to become centres of breakthrough innovation.
How long has Kirori Mal College been part of Delhi University?
Kirori Mal College has been a flagship institution of the University of Delhi for more than seven decades, making it one of the most established undergraduate colleges in the country.
Why did L-G Sandhu mention his own Delhi University education?
Sandhu shared his personal academic background to encourage students to have confidence in Indian institutions. He said the foundation laid at Delhi University enabled him to contribute in national service overseas, and that students need not look abroad to build a meaningful career.
