Chandigarh, August 16, 2025-Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, celebrated the 79th Independence Day with fervour and enthusiasm at the University Parade Ground. The celebration commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by the PU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Renu Vig, who was the Chief Guest for the event. A ceremonial parade and cultural performances marked the occasion.

In her motivational Independence Day address, Prof. Renu Vig highlighted the achievements of the university and emphasised the role of faculty and mentors in guiding the newly admitted students towards purposeful academic and personal growth.

While outlining the university’s major accomplishments over the past academic year, Prof. Vig said that PU’s academic excellence was reaffirmed through multiple global rankings, being placed in the 601–800 bracket in the Times Higher Education World Rankings and 901–950 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Notably, 46 PU faculty members were listed among the world’s top 2 percent of scientists in the Stanford University Report (2024), she added.

Prof. Vig said that the university received Rs 10 crore under the prestigious PAIR grant from ANRF and Rs 10.5 crore under RUSA 2.0, with all procurement and academic activities completed ahead of the deadline, making it eligible for the release of an additional Rs 35 crore. These funds have been channelled into establishing cutting-edge infrastructure such as the Cyber Security Lab, PCB Fabrication Lab, AI Data Centre, Intel AI Unnati Lab, MOOCs Lab, and Idea Lab focusing on drone tech, mechatronics, and 3D printing, she informed. She also mentioned PU's recent academic collaborations through MoUs with international universities including Yokohama National University (Japan), Nottingham Trent University (UK), and the University of Houston (USA), aiming to offer dual-degree programs.

The Independence Day celebration, themed “Mera Desh Mera Mulk,” featured an impressive march-past by PU Security, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, and students of Ankur School, followed by patriotic cultural performances by students from the Music Department, GGS Vidya Mandir, and Ankur School.

Awards, commendation certificates, and mementoes were presented to outstanding employees of the university. Notable honourees included Sh. Vinod Kumar Pal, Ms. Veena, Sh. Sanjeev Kumar, Sh. Baljit Singh, Sh. Randeep Singh, and several others from various departments and units.

Dr. Prabhdip Brar, Chairperson, University Institute of Fashion Technology, was felicitated for designing the official dress code for PU’s 72nd Annual Convocation.

Special recognition was given to the PU team led by Dr. Praveen Goyal for reclaiming university land at Hall Gate, Amritsar, from long-term encroachment.

Earlier, the function began with a welcome address by PU Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Chairperson, Department of Hindi.

The celebrations were attended by Dean University Instruction Prof. Yojna Rawat, Controller of Examination Prof. Jagat Bhushan, Director, RDC Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, FDO Dr. Vikram Nayyar, Secretary to VC Prof. Krishan Kumar, DSW Prof. Amit Chauhan, DSW (Women) Prof. Namita Gupta, Director of Sports Dr. Rakesh Malik, Director of Youth Welfare Dr. Sukhjinder S Rishi, Chief of University Security Sh. Vikram Singh, along with faculty members, staff, students, and other dignitaries.