Dibrugarh: Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva Sports University (SSASU), Dibrugarh became the sole institution from Assam and the entire northeast to receive the coveted FERN Gold Award from the Union ministry of youth affairs and sports. The university was presented with the prestigious FERN (Fit India Eco-friendly and responsible navigation) Gold Award during the nationwide World Bicycle Day celebrations held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on June 7.Union minister for youth affairs and sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, personally presented the award to the university’s registrar, Pankaj Borthakur, who received the honour on behalf of the institution.SSASU finds itself in distinguished company, sharing the award with Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi and the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Odisha — institutions that have established their entire campuses as 100 per cent vehicle-free zones. The award honours the university’s pioneering decision to maintain its campus in Dibrugarh as a completely vehicle-free zone since its very inception. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to rely on walking, cycling, and other eco-friendly modes of transport, cultivating a culture of active living and environmental responsibility within the academic community.Speaking at the New Delhi ceremony, Dr Mandaviya commended the award-winning institutions for leading the way in transforming India’s campuses. “Today, I am pleased to recognise those institutions that have successfully transformed their university and industrial campuses into 100 percent vehicle-free zones. Their commitment serves as an inspiring example for others across the country,” he said.The minister further articulated his broader vision, adding, “Our goal is to see schools, colleges and universities adopt vehicle-free campuses, encourage cycling, and promote healthier lifestyles. By embracing these practices, we can contribute to a fitter, greener, and more sustainable India.”Prof Hirendra Nath Sarma, VC of SSASU, hailed the recognition as a testament to the university’s forward-thinking philosophy. He said the award highlights the institution’s growing reputation as a leader in both sports education and sustainable campus development, and affirmed that the university would continue deepening its commitment to green initiatives.The FERN Award framework, which also includes a silver category recognising institutions with partial vehicle-free measures, saw universities from across India honoured at various World Bicycle Day events. Silver awards were presented to institutions including IIT Hyderabad, LNIPE Gwalior, Parul University and Kumaraguru College of Technology.
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