Visually Impaired Girl Wins First Prize in Declamation as Panjab University Celebrates Swami Vivekananda's 133rd Chicago Anniversary

Chandigarh, September 30, 2026: The Department of Alumni Relations and College Development Council, Panjab University, Chandigarh in collaboration with Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari celebrated the 133rd Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's historic address at the Parliament of Religions, Chicago (1893) at Rajiv Gandhi College Bhawan, Panjab University.
The highlight of the event was that the first prize in the Declamation Competition was won by Vanshika, a visually impaired student from the Institute of Educational Technology and Vocational Education, Panjab University, Chandigarh, who is a resident of Girls Hostel No. 1. Her powerful speech on Harmony in Diversity won hearts of all present and was later presented again on special request during the prize distribution ceremony.
The final round of competitions in Declamation, Poster Making and Slogan Writing were held from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. among students selected at preliminary level from affiliated colleges. The prize distribution ceremony was held from 2.30 p.m. onwards.
The ceremony began with Vande Mataram and P.U. Anthem, welcome of guests and lamp lighting. The Inaugural Address was delivered by Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University.
Inspirational addresses were delivered by Swami Atmashraddhananda, Ramakrishna Mission Ashram and Chief Guest Sushri Nivedita Raghunath Bhide, President, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, who stressed on Swami Vivekananda's message of universal brotherhood and youth's role in nation building.
Final Results:
Declamation Competition:
1st Prize (Rs 3100/-): Miss Vanshika (Visually Impaired, GH-1 Resident) - IETVE, Panjab University, Chandigarh
2nd Prize (Rs 2100/-): Miss Rain - Guru Nanak National College, Doraha
3rd Prize (Rs 1100/-): Miss Jaskamal Gill - Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College for Women, Dasuya
Poster Making Competition:
1st Prize (Rs 3100/-): Miss Navneet Kaur - Khalsa College for Women, Sidhwan Khurd
2nd Prize (Rs 2100/-): Ms. Riya - Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital
3rd Prize (Rs 1100/-): Mr. Raghunandan Thakur - Swami Premanand Mahavidyalaya, Mukerian
Slogan Writing Competition:
1st Prize (Rs 3100/-): Miss Divjot Kaur - Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital
2nd Prize (Rs 2100/-) Jointly: Miss Tanvir Kaur - GGDSD College, Hariana and Miss Anshuka Chaudhury - Government College of Education
3rd Prize (Rs 1100/-) Jointly: Miss Ivneet Kaur - A.S. College of Education and Miss Palakpreet Kaur - Guru Nanak National College, Doraha
The programme concluded with Vote of Thanks by the Coordinators Prof. Latika Sharma, Prof. Shivani Sharma and Dr. Anju Goyal and National Anthem.