The HNB Garhwal University is nestled in the lap of Himalayan ranges in Garwal region. "The Abode of Gods, Devbhumi or Tapobhumi", it how find mention in mythology and religious literature. Srinagar , the Headquarter of the University is situated at 300 13' N /780 46' E in Pauri District of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand on the bank of river Alaknanda in mid-Himalaya.

Being the royal capital of the erstwhile rulers of Garhwal in the past, variously known as Sripur, Srikshetra and Danush Teertha, it remained capital of Garhwal kingdom till 1805 AD; thereafter the centre of Gorkha rule till 1850 AD and administrative centre of the British till 1890 AD. The historic township enroute to the supershrine resorts of Kedarnath and Badrinath is well linked by road to all the prominent places of the region, including the three rail heads- Rishikesh, Kotdwara and Dehradun. Of late, Srinagar has strongly emerged as a centre of higher learning and research with the establishment of the University.

The Garhwal University was established on 1st December 1973 at Srinagar to meet the increasing demand for higher educational facilities in the intereior of the Garhwal division. Shri Bhishwambar Dutt Bhatt, a distinguished educationist, was appointed the first Vice Chancellor of the University.

The University was set up in the interiors of Garhwal rather than in a large city as it is the case with most of our Universities. Late Shri Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna played a vital role in its formation. Taking the University to the people and not vice-versa was a new experience in 1973, when it was finally decided to set up the Garhwal University along the banks of the river Alaknanda at Srinagar.

The University was renamed in 1988 as Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. It was befitting tribute to the man who struggled, all his life for the development of the hills. In the last 31 years the University has evolved new dimensions of interface with the people of Garhwal and economic and cultural up-liftment of the region.

Today, the University has three campuses at Sringar, Pauri and Tehri. This is in addition to the 40 colleges that are affiliated to it. In the past few years, the University has also started many new professional courses, such as B. Pharmacy, Computer Science, Journalism and MBA. An Engineering college was also started at Ghurdauri (Pauri).

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