Republic Day celebrated at Panjab University

Chandigarh, January 27, 2019: Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh celebratedthe Republic Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at the University Campus. PU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Raj Kumar was the Chief Guest of the function and Smt Kusum Singh was the Guest of Honour. He unfurled the national flag at the Parade Ground. It was followed by the inspection of the Guard of Honour comprising the contingents of PU Security Staff, PU NCC boys & Girls cadets, Ankur School and Guru Gobind Singh Vidya Mandir(GGSVM)Senior Secondary School, Ratwara Sahib. While felicitating the gathering, Prof. Kumar in his key note address, urged all to take pride in part of the great Institute like PU and contribute in maintaining the respect and honour that this University has achieved over decades. He referred to various recent initiatives and achievements of the University and informed about continuously striving for improvement of services in order to make it one of the most beautiful campus of the Country. He further added that Panjab University has always been known for contributing immensely to research and in order to work in this area and consolidate our position further not only at the national but also at the international level, work in this direction has already been initiated and are in the process of signing agreements with many Universities abroad. Panjab University has a very strong alumni base. Lot of our alumni have reached the summit in their fields and have held the highest positions in their respective areas. Ha said that steps are being taken to ensure that PU alumni work hand in hand to take the University to greater heights. PU VC informed that alreadt steps have been taken to implement the decision of the Central Government regarding reservation to the economically weaker section of the General Category in the University. Also,requested the Central Govt. to provide PU with the necessary financial assistance for its implementation. He further informed that a scheme for construction of 50 new A-Type residences for Non-teaching employees has been planned and in this regard, he met Hon’ble Minister, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri ji, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. MHRD has also sanctioned a grant of Rs.6.63 Crore to the PU for setting up a Centre for Academic Leadership and Educational Management. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under its Khelo India Talent Development Programme has recognized the University for swimming and affiliated Dashmesh College for Shooting. From this college, PU alumni Ms. Avneet Kaur Sidhu has been awarded Arjun Award. Earlier, Prof Karamjit Singh,Registrar, PU in his welcome adress, appreciated the able leadership and never-say-die attitude of Prof Kumar, VC,PU which helped PU to emerge from financial instabilities..He urged all to rededicate to their duties and responsibilities to take PU to greater heights. PU with its multi-faceted fraternity, epitomizes that is best in India today. On this occasion, PU employees namely Mr. Harbans Lal, ASO, Ms.Meenu Malhotra, Sr. Assistant, Mr. Rishikant, Sr. Assistant and Ms. Mukta Sharma, Clerk were felicitated with cash award, commendation certificate and memento in recognition of their distinguished services. Colourful cultural programme enthralled the audience. It started with a patriotic song titled ‘Anekta Mein Ekta’ by the students of PU Music Department followed by a colourful dance by Ankur School Students. Students of PU Department of Music presented item titled VAAR-depictiing warriors of Punjab with the help of singing and poetry. It was followed by patriotic Medley by students of GCG, Sector 42, Chandigarh. Students of GSVM Sr. Sec.School, Ratwara Sahib performed Bhangra, which was followed by presentation of awards to various winners. All senior officials of PU, Senate and Syndicate members, Deans, PUTA President, faculty, students and their families were present on the occasion.