Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner

Overview

Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University (SKRAU) is a state agricultural university located in Bikaner, Rajasthan. It was formerly known as Rajasthan Agricultural University and was earlier a constituent part of Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, before being established as a separate institution.

The university was constituted as an independent entity in 1987 under the Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner Act, 1987, and was later renamed in honour of the freedom fighter and social reformer Swami Keshwanand.

Key details

What readers should know

• SKRAU functions as a state agricultural university serving Rajasthan, with its seat at Bikaner.
• Prior to 1987, the institution operated as part of Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, and did not have independent university status.
• The Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner Act, 1987 provided the legal basis for its separation and independent functioning.
• The 2009 renaming honours Swami Keshwanand, who is recognised as a freedom fighter and social reformer.
• Raksha Pal Singh was appointed as the vice chancellor in 2019.

Background

The university traces its origins to agricultural education and research activities that were earlier conducted under Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur. With the enactment of the Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner Act, 1987, these activities were reorganised under a dedicated state agricultural university based in Bikaner. In 2009, the institution was renamed in memory of Swami Keshwanand, linking the university's identity to his legacy as a social reformer and figure in the Indian freedom movement.

References

1. "Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University", Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Keshwanand_Rajasthan_Agricultural_University
2. Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner Act, 1987.