Orientation Programme 2025–26 for new batch of students concludes 

Chandigarh, September 19, 2025: The Orientation Programme 2025–26 for the new batch of students at the Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Panjab University, Chandigarh, concluded today with the screening of the United Nations award-winning film Rabb Di Awaaz. 

Directed by Shri Ojaswwee Sharma, the film has been recognised as India’s first multi-inclusive cinematic initiative on disability, mental health, and social empathy. Following the screening, students engaged in an interactive discussion with the director, noted inclusion consultant and actor Shiv Kumar Sharma, film editor Bhaskar Pandey, cinematographer Sandeep Kumar, and policy advisor Dr. Rimpi Arora, who shared their insights on inclusive storytelling and its role in advancing social justice.

As part of the Orientation Week, students also undertook a field visit on September 18, 2025, to the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) and the Capitol Complex comprising The High Court, The Open Hand, The Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat. During this visit, they had the privilege of interacting with Hon’ble Justice Sant Prakash, Chairperson, PSHRC, who shared valuable perspectives on the role of human rights institutions in safeguarding dignity and justice. The visit gave students a direct exposure to the functioning of human rights commissionas well as the architectural  heritage of Chandigarh.

Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of engaging sessions. The programme commenced with campus tour to the Fine Arts Museum and A.C. Joshi Library of Panjab University, familiarizing freshers with the University’s cultural and academic resources. Special lectures included a talk by Sh. Shiv Kumar, Programme Coordinator, District Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh, on the role of legal aid clinics in higher education, and a session on social entrepreneurship and human rights by Mr. Anas Khan, Founder of Coventurers. A highlight of the cultural component was the Alumni Talk and Freshers’ Welcome, with inspiring addresses by alumni Mx. Dhananjay Chauhan, Ms. Isha Jain, and Mr. Mohit Sharma, followed by cultural performances by the students.

Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat,Chairperson of the Centre for Human Rights and Duties, and Prof.NamitaGupta , Dean Student Welfare lauded the active participation of students and emphasized that the Orientation Programme was designed to introduce freshers to the values of human rights, social justice, and inclusion, while encouraging them to think critically and engage deeply with society. They also acknowledged the collective efforts of the faculty, staff, research scholars, post-doctoral fellows, and senior students in ensuring the success of the week-long programme.