Panjab University Marks Gandhi Jayanti with Week-Long Celebrations and Special Lectures

Chandigarh, October 2, 2025: The Department of Gandhian & Peace Studies, Panjab University, concluded its week-long celebration of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (23 September – 2 October 2025) with a series of special lectures, competitions, cultural events and awards. 

The valedictory session was marked by a keynote address from Sh. Anand Sharma, Member, Haryana Public Service Commission, who emphasised Gandhi’s message of non-violence and the mantra “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

The closing function was presided over by Professor Amit Chauhan, DSW, PU, with lectures also delivered by Er. Surender Singh Dhull, Chief Engineer, who highlighted “Simple Living, High Thinking”, and Dr. Amit Sangwan, Advocate, who spoke on the continuing significance of Gandhian philosophy. 

Dr. Ashu Pasricha, Chairperson, Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies & Honorary Director, Gandhi Bhawan, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, participants and guests.

On this occasion, the Best Mali Award 2025 was conferred upon Sh. Jaspal Singh, Student Centre, Sector 14, PU, with a cash prize of Rs. 2,100/- and a letter of appreciation from Registrar, Prof. Y. P. Verma. 

Prizes were also distributed to winners of essay writing, drawing/painting, poem recitation and patriotic song competitions, which saw enthusiastic participation from PU students and schoolchildren across Chandigarh.

The competitive events yielded notable winners, including Piyush (Essay 1st Prize, PU), Ambika (Drawing 1st Prize, Ankur Senior Secondary School), Aaradhya Bahl (Poem Recitation 1st Prize, Bhavan Vidyalaya), and Raavi Sehgal (Patriotic Song 1st Prize, Bhavan Vidyalaya), among others. Cash prizes of Rs. 1,100/-, 900/-, 700/- and 500/- were awarded for first, second, third and consolation positions respectively, alongside special consolation awards to students from participating schools.

The week-long programme began with a special lecture on “Obesity is Calling. Are You Listening?” by Prof. Sanjay Kumar Bhadada, PGIMER, on 23 September, where he outlined lifestyle measures for health. It was followed by a Cleanliness Drive Rally and cleaning of Gandhi Bhawan poolside on 24 September, with participation of over 150 students, faculty, and non-teaching staff.

Subsequent events included On-the-Spot Essay Writing Competition (25 Sept.) for PU students, On-the-Spot Painting Competition (26 Sept.) for Chandigarh school students, Lecture on Personal Skills and Leadership (29 Sept.), Poem Recitation and Patriotic Songs (30 Sept.), and Talk on Gandhian Philosophy by Dr. Amit Sangwan (1 Oct.)