Panjab University’s Global Alumni Meet Illuminates Legacy, Learning, and Lifelong Bonds

Chandigarh, November 1, 2025: Panjab University, Chandigarh, hosted its 6th Global Alumni Meet, bringing together distinguished alumni including Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Swatanter Kumar, Chandigarh DGP Dr Sagar Preet Hooda, Padma Shri awardee Prof (Dr) Neelam Mansingh Chaudhary, and Acharya Krishan Kant Attri, MBE, The Hindu Chaplain with HM Forces, UK.
 
A daylong meet was a congregation of notable alumni, esteemed faculty, and enthusiastic students, who relived their student days as they gathered for the global alumni meet. About 1000 alumni, faculty, students including serving and former Vice Chancellors, Bureaucrats, Professionals, Advocates, Academicians, Entrepreneurs, NRIs, had reached the campus to relive the good old days and meet their friends. The Meet witnessed a confluence of pride, nostalgia, and purpose as alumni from across the world reflected on their journeys and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their alma mater through collective support and endowments.
 
Addressing the alumni, in her inaugural address PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig referred to various contributions made by PU’s global alumni network to advance innovation, academic excellence, and comprehensive student development across all departments. Notable contributions include the establishment of the AI Data Centre at UIET, the state-of-the-art Zoology Auditorium, modernised infrastructure in the University Business School, and advanced research facilities in Biophysics, Human Genome Studies, Defence & National Security Studies, and Computer Science & Applications, she mentioned.
 
Mentioning the role of Alumni, Prof. Vig said, “Alumni have played a pivotal role in supporting scholarships, mentorship programs, placement drives, expert lectures, industry interactions, and specialised workshops, providing students with real-world exposure, career guidance, and research opportunities”.
 
Prof. Vig also outlined Panjab University’s remarkable academic and research milestones, affirming its position among the top 3.9% universities globally, ranked within the 601–800 band worldwide in THE ranking. Highlighting PU’s expanding research ecosystem, Prof. Vig shared that the University has 33 patents filed and 51 faculty members listed among the world’s top 2% scientists, this year. She also encouraged alumni to actively engage with the University’s start-up ecosystem, calling on alumni to fund and mentor emerging innovators.
 
 Justice Swatanter Kumar, Former Judge Supreme Court of India and Former Chairperson, National Green Tribunal, lauded Panjab University as a place “where generations meet and character is carved.” Speaking of the Department of Laws, he reflected that education here has always been a force that could “either make a man or destroy a man,” depending on how sincerely it is embraced. He said that he learnt humility from PU when a mess worker came to ask about his injury he had suffered during the football game as he emphasized that the campus comes together to help individuals.
 
Praising the University for maintaining its sense of belonging and community, he urged that its next phase of growth must include not just infrastructural and academic excellence, but also a culture of alumni contribution. He emphasized the pride PU students should carry for securing admission in this campus.
 
In his engaging talk, Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, Director General of Police, Chandigarh, and alumnus of the Department of Sociology, shared his heartfelt gratitude to the University that shaped both his intellect and spirit. Having completed his Master’s and Ph.D. at PU in 1989, he fondly remembered vibrant years spent on the green, serene, and close-knit campus.
 
Dr. Hooda called upon alumni to contribute liberally — financially, intellectually, and socially, urging that a university’s strength lies in its community. Addressing the youth, he said: “Great minds have walked this campus. Seize the moment, learn from the best, and whenever you succeed come back.”
 
Acharya Krishan Kant Attri, MBE, The Hindu Chaplain with HM Forces, UK, emphasised the strong presence of women on stage, remarking that “where women are honoured, success follows; where they are not, failure does.” He has completed over 420 marathons across the world, his message to the alumni was to give generously and live meaningfully. “Keep smiling, keep inspiring, and keep shining.”
 
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Neelam Mansingh Chaudhary, Padma Shri awardee and internationally acclaimed theatre artist, took the audience through her journey from Amritsar to the Department of Indian Theatre and to Hostel No. 3, Sarojini Hall, where she learned not only art but awareness as well. She recalled how her teachers taught her to look at a piece of art, hold it, and truly see it — not as a pastime but as a discipline. She credited Ibrahim Alkazi, during his lecture in the Department of English, for opening her eyes to theatre as a profession that demands skill, partnership, and passion.
 
Distinguished Alumni Anirudh Saraswat, Dr. Amarendra Behera, Jasmine Rana, Manish Jindal and Tarun Jain also spoke on the occasion and announced various initiatives in education, mentorship, innovation, and mental health for the University. From establishing a Centre for Excellence in Robotics to launching a digital mental health platform, they reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing future generations and the University’s growth.
 
Distinguished Alumni of various departments were honoured during the Alumni Felicitation Ceremonies for the Golden, Silver, and Distinguished Batches on the occasion.
 
An audio-visual presentation brought heartfelt video messages from alumni, including Ayushmann Khurrana, who fondly remembered “countless hours at StuC, the best samosa in Arts Block 1, and friendships that last a lifetime.” He urged all alumni to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, closing with the words “PU Jehi Koi Jagah Nahi.”
 
In her welcome address, Prof. Latika Sharma, Dean, Alumni Relations, extended heartfelt gratitude to all guests and felicitated the guests with tokens of appreciation.
 
Earlier, the meet commenced with registration and the resonant Panjab University Anthem, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig and distinguished guests. PU Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma, Controller of Examination Prof. Jagat Bhushan, Finance and Development Officer Dr. Vikram Nayyar, Deans, Directors and Chairpersons were also present on the occasion.
 
The meet concluded with the Vote of Thanks, delivered by PU Dean of University Instructions, Prof. Yojna Rawat, expressing gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, distinguished guests, and alumni for making the 6th Global Alumni Meet a celebration of unity, pride, and purpose.