CHANDIGARH- January 26, 2012: Panjab University celebrated the 63rd Republic Day of the Nation with fervour and enthusiasm at its Campus today. The celebrations began with the flag unfurling ceremony by Prof R.C. Sobti, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University. The Vice-Chancellor took salute and inspected the guard of honour presented to him by an impressive march past comprising the contingents of Panjab University security staff, the Ankur School students of the campus and the band from Guru Gobind Singh Vidya Mandir, Ratwara Sahib.
Professor R.C. Sobti began his address by commemorating the signing of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950. He said “over the last 60 odd years, we the people of India have demonstrated the qualities of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity in ensuring that today our nation is a force to be reckoned with in both sectoral and global fora”. Emphasizing on the role that a University can play in a nation’s progress, Prof. Sobti said “Panjab University as a premier Institution of higher education is playing a significant role by spearheading path breaking, problem solving research and action. We have always made sincere attempts at aligning our research pursuits with the vision driving our country. Recognition of our two centres under potential for excellence scheme of U.G.C. has given boost to the young faculty and students”. He also said that 50 per cent of the country’s population is below the age of 25 years and we have the responsibility of shaping the youth into both educated and literate leaders who will take on the mantle of India’s growth. Stating the achievements of the University, Prof. Sobti said “We have worked in tandem to introduce new courses as per the demands of the industry; streamlined academic administration by adopting the school system; switching to the semester system for greater efficacy in knowledge disseminating and evaluation. The move towards adopting an open credit system and grading system is also an effort to bring a University at par with global trends”. Illustrating on the digitization and modernization of the Campus, Prof. Sobti said “Cyber connectivity and an integrated information management system is being put in place on Campus for better access to academic and administrative database. We have introduced online receipt of application forms and fee for all entrance tests, followed by online generation and availability of admit cards. From the December 2012 Semester Examination, we hope to extend online receipt of examination forms and online availability of Roll Number Cards for Postgraduate courses”. He also added that the University is ready to introduce transparent system of online receipt of application forms and fee for teaching and non-teaching posts with auto evaluation of API and other scores. He also informed about the measures being taken to meet the staff crunch. Aiming to make Panjab University an abode for peace, Professor Sobti said “There will always be differences in any family, particularly a large one and so it is with us. But we are here to look for solutions rather than merely focusing on problems. As a seminary of constant quest for truth that promotes the spirit of eternal questioning, a University should be a place where people can disagree without being disagreeable”. Professor Sobti concluded his speech by aspiring for a bright future for the University, he said “We have a glorious heritage coincidently linked to that of our country. We have braved the tribulations of partition, seen our departments scattered, but we have also seen them come home to this Campus and draw strength and sustenance from a unified existence. Let this great University continue to be a role model. Let us remember that others look up to us. We have to set the benchmark for an ever-growing education sector – one that requires strict academic monitoring and accreditation in order to maintain its legitimacy. We must develop a hunger for change in order to compete for excellence rather than savouring past achievements alone.” Remembering the first Prime Minister of the country, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Prof. Sobti said “Pandit Nehru gave a clarion call for our ‘Tryst with destiny’. Let our University continue to respond to this profound consciousness and help our country rise to splendid glory.” Cultural festivities on Republic Day at PU The cultural programme began with the students of Music Department of Panjab University presenting a rendition of Vande Matrum. This was followed by an exuberating dance performance by the students of Guru Gobind Singh Vidya Mandir, Ratwara Sahib. Thereafter, the students from the Ankur School on the campus presented the song ‘Himgiri Ka Sarvoch Sekher’. Decked up in bright hues, the students of Sant Waryam Singh Memorial Public High School Ratwara Sahib presented a glimpse of the rich culture and heritage of the villages of Punjab with their dance performance on ‘Mere Pind Vich Vsada Rab Ve’. The cultural function concluded with the students of the Ankur School presenting a scintillating a dance and gymnastics performance on the song ‘Jai ho!’ Prize Distribution Ceremony The Vice-Chancellor felicitated Mr Sunil Sharma, Technician, School of Communication for his dedication and help to the eight students of the department for the 72 hour Radio Non-stop programme, Mr. Ram Singh, Security Guard of Girls Hostel No.5 for showing his honesty in returning Rs.20,000/-, and five security persons namely -Mr. Satish Kumar, Daily Wage Security Guard, Mr. Harjit Sigh, Security Guard, Mr. Dharam Singh, Daily Wage Security Guard, Mr. Bansi Lal, Daily Wage Security Guard, Mr. Gurwinder Singh, Daily Wage Security Guard, in recognition of their significant contribution by providing protection to the student of UIAMS by their coordinated efforts for trapping the antisocial elements in the University Campus. Professor Sobti also presented a special award to Manvi, a student of Ankur School for her outstanding gymnastic performance in the cultural programme. The Vice-Chancellor Prof R.C. Sobti congratulated and complimented all the platoon leaders and Principals of Ankur School on the PU campus, Guru Gobind Singh Vidya Mandir School, Ratwara Sahib and Sant Waryam Singh Memorial Public High School, Ratwara Sahib for preparing the children for various performances.