Say with pride that we are citizens of a free nation; pledge to uphold this freedom: Prof. (Dr.) Brar, VC IKGPTU

Jalandhar/Kapurthala, August 15, 2026: Independence Day celebrations were held with great fervor at I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKG PTU) main campus Kapurthala road on Saturday. University Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Yadvinder Singh Brar presided as the chief guest at the patriotic event, while Registrar Dr. Navdeepak Sandhu attended as the special guest.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Brar hoisted the national flag (Tiranga) on the university campus entrance. The campus resonated with spirited slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," "Vande Mataram," and "Azadi Mubarak" raised by NCC cadets and students. Campus security personnel saluted the flag. The celebrations commenced under the leadership of Dean (Student Welfare) Dr. Satbir Singh. Under the command of ANO Dr. Naveen Sharma, NCC cadets escorted the chief guest and the dignitaries of other dignitaries.

In his Independence Day address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Yadvinder Singh Brar inspired students to stay with pride that they belong to a free nation and to pledge to preserve that freedom. He recounted the history of the struggle for freedom—from the triumph of spiritual masters (Gurus and Peers) over evil and liberation from Mughal tyranny to the fight for independence from British rule. Prof. Brar encouraged everyone to work on future initiatives that serve the national interest.

Registrar Dr. Navdeepak Sandhu spoke about the significance of independence in the current context and the role of youth participation. He spoke about the university's glorious history and its distinguished alumni, including the late singer Sidhu Moosewala, renowned artists AP Dhillon, Amrit Maan, and Ammy Virk, politician and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, and MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer. He inspired the students to draw motivation from the nation's glorious history and strive for the greater good of the country.

Prof. (Dr.) Satbir Singh, Dean of Student Welfare, delivered the welcome address. During the event, a special "Campus Navigator App"—developed by student Ishmeet Kaur (5th semester) under the guidance of Dr. Anshu Bhasin, a senior faculty member of the Computer Science Engineering Department—was launched. A pledge for a drug-free society was also taken. Students Pargana and Nimar presented the details of the ceremony. NCC cadets performed patriotic songs, while student Riddhi recited a poem. Naresh Dogra sang a patriotic song. Student Japleen Kaur shared her experiences of arriving at the university, and student Jia Sharma administered the pledge.

The cultural program featured lively performances of Bhangra and Luddi. The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony and the singing of the National Anthem.