Gorakhpur (UP), April 6 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated a modern computer laboratory at Digvijaynath Postgraduate College on Monday, according to a statement.
The laboratory has been established by the family of the college's former teacher, Dr Tej Pratap Shahi, in his memory, the UP government said in a statement.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Adityanath said, "The computer lab would prove highly beneficial for students in emerging technologies, research and innovation."
During the event, Adityanath appreciated the initiative taken by Dr Shahi's family to keep alive the memories of the respected academician, popularly known as "Bachcha Babu".
He said, "The programme was organised to pay tributes to Dr Shahi, who served the college for many years as a professor and was also a senior member of Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad."
During the programme, Adityanath became visibly emotional while recalling Bachcha Babu's deep devotion to the Goraksha Peeth. He said that often people fail to fully understand an individual's true character while they are alive.
He mentioned that although he had not seen Hari Prasad Shahi, he had closely observed his sons, especially Dr Tej Pratap Shahi, and admired the way he maintained relationships and coordination with everyone.
According to the chief minister, Dr Shahi's life was an example of how relationships and values should be upheld.
Dr Shahi had served as the president of the Gorakhpur unit of the Indian National Congress.
He remained a devoted follower of the Goraksha Peeth and maintained unwavering loyalty to its values and ideals. He was among those who always stood firmly with the revered Mahant Avaidyanath, even during the most challenging circumstances.
While sharing a personal memory about Dr Shahi, Adityanath's voice choked with emotion. With teary eyes, he recalled, "I remember that one day in July 2020, Dr Shahi suddenly called me. After taking an appointment, he came to meet me with both his sons. I told him that he could have introduced them to me in Gorakhpur itself."
During the programme, Dr Shahi's family members, Ananya Shahi, Atirek Shahi, and Chandni Shahi, welcomed and honoured Yogi Adityanath.
Among those present at the event were Gorakhpur Mayor Dr Manglesh Srivastava, BJP State Vice President and MLC Dharmendra Singh, Nautanwa MLA Rishi Tripathi, State Women's Commission Vice Chairperson Charu Chaudhary, former Mayor Anju Chaudhary, Kalibari Mahant Ravindra Das, and members of Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad, the statement said.