The part of Panjab University that keeps awake at midnight

The nightlife at PU is unique, with its own distinct atmosphere and energy that is experienced differently by each individual. Raghav, a postgraduate student who attends midnight jam sessions at Gandhi Bhawan, describes PU as a “Milky Way galaxy that has different small worlds involved in it”.

Every student who has studied at PU has their own story to tell, contributing to the vibrant energy of the university.

Library at Night
The “AC Joshi Library,” named after Amar Chand Joshi, an illustrious Vice-Chancellor of PU, was first established in the US Club, Shimla, in 1947 and later shifted to the Chandigarh campus in 1963. This central library has more than eight lakh books available to read and can accommodate more than 500 readers at a time. A student from the philosophy department, while sharing his experience, said that he started sitting in the library from last October, and although he is not very consistent in the library, it gives him a sense of belongingness.

The iconic, five-story building has become a symbol of peace, consistency, and hard work for students willing to learn. “The study culture in the library is very unique and interesting. It involves reading, researching, and going through texts. It feels like you are in a sea of knowledge, and if you stay, you’ll sail through to your destination all together,” said a student who has been preparing for competitive exams and has taken admission only due to the 24×7 secure library. There is a rush of students during exams, when a vacant seat becomes a luxury.

Midnight Cafe
Sumit, who is from Haridwar and has lived at Khudda Lahora since childhood, runs a small cafe near the library that operates from 8 in the evening to 5 in the morning. This cafe has been here for the past two decades and has been run by different people. “We get 100 to 150 students every night, and the number increases to 300 during exams,” said Sumit, who started operating the cafe in 2019. The students who have graduated years ago also visit the place to relive the old days. The cafe serves students tea, coffee, and Maggi during the midnight hours.

Jamming sessions at Gandhi Bhawan
PU has many artistes, and they often get together to share their talent during the night. Students from the music department frequently organise jam sessions at Gandhi Bhawan, whose open greens have become a popular venue for birthday celebrations. The midnight sessions are a big hit among students busy with studies during the day.

“We gather here at Gandhi Bhawan at night as the temperature is moderate and it gives us a peaceful environment. There is stillness during the night, and music is the only sound you can hear,” said a student from the music department. Others said that they choose the night to sing as everyone is busy with their classes during the day.

PU security at night
Security plays a significant role in providing a safe environment for students during the midnight hours. The main aim is to tackle any kind of wrongdoing, clashes, and harassment on campus. Emphasising the role of security checkpoints, regular patrolling, and strict actions against illegal activities, a constable serving in the police beat box said three police officials are available 24X7 for the students. But there is always room for improvement. A PU security official called for more vigilant check posts at gates to prevent smuggling of alcohol inside the campus, and separate stickers for vehicles of hostellers and day scholars so that outsiders can be kept at bay.

PU has made many lifelong friends, and some have chosen to stay here for further studies. Various political discussions are organised by divergent student organisations in the evenings. Raghav maintains that PU means “life” to him. “PU has changed my life. I met some very good people who are going to stay in my life. The campus is my comfort zone, and as I am left with only two months here, I long for more,” he said.