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.      
    .  
Press Note No.41