PU is a place ‘where generations meet and character is carved’, says former SC judge

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 at the University Business School, and advanced research facilities in Biophysics, Human Genome Studies, Defence and National Security Studies, and Computer Science & Applications, she mentioned.

Prof Vig said, “Alumni have played a pivotal role in supporting scholarships, mentorship programmes, 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.

Justice Swatanter Kumar, former judge of 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, which he had suffered during the football game, as he emphasised that the campus comes together to help individuals.

In his engaging talk, Dr Sagar Preet Hooda, Director General of Police, Chandigarh, and alumnus of the Department of Sociology, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the university that shaped both his intellect and spirit. Having completed his master’s and PhD at PU in 1989, he fondly remembered vibrant years spent on the green, serene, and close-knit campus. During the eight years on campus, he lived in Hostel No. 1 and Hostel No. 5 and said even after studying in several other universities later, there was no place like PU. “The campus was green and peaceful; hostel life was simple and full of trust. In those days, we never even locked our hostel rooms,” he said. Sometimes there would be minor thefts in the hostels, he recalled with a smile. “But even those thefts had affection in them. Someone would jokingly say, what has been stolen isn’t money; it’s the ladoos my mother sent from home. “There was warmth, innocence, and camaraderie in those moments too,” said Hooda, adding that friendships in those days were genuine, and there was always time to sit together and talk.

“Everything was available within walking distance, the Sociology Department, the market, the library, and even the famous parathas near PGI. Going to Sector 15 was a tradition back then, because there was no social media, and here students from different departments would gather and share their joys and sorrows,” said Dr Hooda, recalling fondly that it was here at PU that he found his life partner. He called upon the 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 on 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.” Having 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 Neelam Mansingh Chaudhary, Padma Shri awardee and internationally acclaimed theatre director, 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 Ebrahim 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 announced various initiatives in education, mentorship, innovation, and mental health for PU. 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.