The Panjab University (PU) organized its first ever University level Alumni Meet on Saturday, February 19 in a gala way at the University Auditorium. H.E. Shri N N Vohra, Governor, Jammu and Kashmir was the Chief-Guest. Prof R C Sobti, in his welcome address, dwelt upon the rich legacy of Panjab University in terms of the celebrated alumni produced by the nursery of Panjab University. He exhorted the alumni members to come forward to contribute for the cause of Seniors’ Home (Old Age Home) in service and support. He even declared that such Alumni Meets would be a regular affair. And the next Alumni Meet would be held on 27 January 2012 for 1975 or earlier batches.  

Prof Bhupinder Singh Bhoop, Dean, Alumni Relations, PU delivered the thematic address where he elaborated on the various headways on the front of Panjab University Alumni Association (PUUAA) in terms of enrollment of alumni into the folds of PUAA as life members or patron members. A small movie on Panjab University prepared by School of Communication Studies was also shown on the occasion.

In his inaugural address, Shri Vohra expressed his deep pride in his association with Panjab University going down the memory lanes. Emphasizing the need of propagating marketable quality education, he proposed the introduction of applied multi-disciplinary courses with better employment prospects, cautioning against mushrooming growth of institutes catering to inept education. As many as 255 alumni members of 1970 or earlier batches were felicitated, each with a plaque of individualized commendation as “Distinguished Alumnus Award” and an impressive robe of honor. The highlight was when a son Prof R C Sobti honored his father Mr S D Sobti of 1946 batch and honoring of the senior-most alumnus of 1943, Dr Kuldip Kaur. An exquisite Souvenir of the Alumni Meet was also released on the occasion by the dignitaries on the dais.

A Panel Discussion, coordinated by Prof B S Brar, Dean University Instruction, PU was held on the topic, “Made for each other: Alumni and Alma Mater” where Ambassador Sh P S Sahai, Prof Sukhdev Kumar (Emeritus fellow, Canada), Sh Arun Arora (Founder CEO of Sony Entertainment, Ltd.) and Maj Gen M S Kandal shared their respective views. In a nutshell, they accentuated the need for alumni to work in tandem with alma mater for strengthening the infrastructural support and improvement of education, ethical values and student recruitments.

Others who graced the occasion included:

1. Prof R P Bambah, Former VC, Panjab University
2. Prof M M Puri, Former VC, Panjab University
3. Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, VC SGGSW University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab
4. Dr K C Bhardwaj, VC, Ch Devi Lal University, Sirsa
5. Prof P S Jaswal, VC, Rajiv Gandhi Nat Univ of Law, Patiala
6. Prof Gurjeet Singh, Former VC, Rajiv Gandhi Nat Univ of Law, Patiala
7. Prof Prem K Khosla VC, Shoolini University, Solan
8. Mr. Rajpal Singh (Captain, Indian Hockey team, lead team to gold, silver & bronze medal during Asaia cup (2007) CWG and Asian Games (2010), resp.)
9. S Jagmohan S Kang, Former Cabinet Minister, Punjab
10. Mr Irshad Kamil, Award Winning Lyricist for Love Aaj Kal
11. Mr Sukhraj Singh, IPS, ADGP Madhya Pradesh
12. Mr Subhash C Kohli, Vice-President, PUAA
13. Dr Bhag Singh Chahal, Canada

The entire function was compeered by Dr Mohanmeet Khosla of Communication Studies and Dr Indu Pal Kaur.

Later in the evening, Mr Dev Dildar captivated the audience with his spellbinding classical and sufiana recitals and performances. Also, the departmental level alumni meeting were held where the alumni tended to interact with their departmental peers and students.