Himachal Pradesh University came up with high hopes but the emphasis on hiring local teachers and internal politics has resulted in the university being a below average university. There is no culture of learning, with frequent strikes and even violence on the campus. Which is a pity, since the university is located in the beautiful Shimla, the queen of hills!
I have come across many students who take admission simply to get a hostel room. Many girls join it as they wait for their parents to find a suitable match for them. There are very few scholars or learned teachers around.
Much of the culture of the university is also spoiled by narrow thinking - every outsider is treated with suspicion. Then it is much too cold for many days and people just like to sit in their bed rather than do something. After 5, it seems that life has ended.
I cannot think of any great research taken out by any teacher of student of the university. It is hardly a wonder that the recurrent politics has resulted in the unibversity not being ranked in any list of good universities. The state government is wasting resources in running this university, unless of course you count providing jobs to the wives of bureaucrats of Shimla, a worthwhile objective!