SHIMLA: Acharya Dev Vrat was today sworn in as the 27th Governor of Himachal Pradesh at a ceremony in Raj Bhawan here.
Vrat took his oath of office in Sanskrit administered by Chief Justice of the Himachal High Court Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir.
He would be 27th Governor and 18th regular Governor of the state since January 1971, when Himachal was granted full statehood.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, his cabinet colleagues, Leader of the Opposition in state assembly P K Dhumal, MLAs and Haryana Ministers Anil Viz and Karan Kamboj.
Later talking to media persons, the Governor said that he was keen that high quality and standard education was imparted to students through large number of universities and academic institutions in the state.
Students should be imparted value based modern education and taught science and technology, he said.
Urging the farmers to learn and adapt to latest farm technology, he said that farmers should make best use of limited land by diversifying to horticulture and floriculture.
When asked about participation of students in politics, the Governor said, "The students should not indulge in any activity that detract them from concentrating in studies" and added that only good students can become good leaders.
He also said 'Gurkul tradition' could be introduced with the help of the governor and all other concerned.
On Yoga, he said that it had no linkage with any religion and is very good for physical and mental health.
Born on January 18, 1959, Acharya Dev Vrat, an eminent educationist, hails from Haryana.
Vrat did his post-graduation in Hindi and History from Punjab University and Kurukshetra University respectively. He has also studied Naturopathy and Yogic Science.
He has served as Pracharya (Principal) in Samprati Gurukul, Kurukshetra for 34 years and had been actively involved in social activities including environment protection, promotion of Yoga, Ayurveda and naturopathy.
The governor has also authored several books besides, editing magazines and translation works.