Face2News/Chandigarh
Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, celebrated Republic Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm on the campus on Monday.
PU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig unfurled the National Flag at the Parade Ground, followed by the inspection of the Guard of Honour comprising contingents of Panjab University NCC, NSS, Security Staff, Ankur School and Guru Gobind Singh Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Ratwara Sahib. International students and faculty from Curtin University, Australia, were also present as invited guests.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Renu Vig said that Republic Day was a reminder of the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution. Highlighting the University’s academic and research achievements, Prof. Vig referred to PU’s over 31,000 high-impact research publications, an overall H-index of 272, and 51 faculty members and researchers featuring in the Stanford–Elsevier Global Top 2 Percent Scientists List 2025. She mentioned that the University has achieved NAAC A++ grade and UGC Category-I status, besides improving its position in global and national rankings including QS, Times Higher Education, NIRF, CWUR and U.S. News.
Prof. Vig also highlighted new research facilities at SAIF/CIL, grants sanctioned under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and RUSA 2.0, expansion of pre-incubation centres, construction of a new girl’s hostel, and initiatives aimed at innovation, skill development, mental well-being and social outreach.
PU Registrar Prof. Y. P. Verma welcomed the gathering.
On the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig honoured non-teaching employees of Panjab University for their outstanding contribution to the University. Those awarded commendation certificates along with cash prizes and mementoes included Rishi Sablok, Ram Prasad Kafle, Bina Bose, Vikram Singh Kaushal, Balwant Singh, Neelam Kumar, Rakesh Kumar, Ram Lal, Ram Singh and Vijay Masih. Appreciation certificates and mementoes were awarded to Som Nath, Nisha, Hemlata Aul, Maninder Kumar, Nidhi Rani, Parmod Singh, Monika, Baljeet Kumar, Rajinder Singh Rawat, Manju Kumari, Ajay Gupta, Manpreet Singh, Raman Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Pankaj Kumar and Baljinder Singh.
Young cricketer Aditi Sheoran was conferred a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of her distinguished achievements in cricket and her contribution to the promotion of women’s cricket. She was acknowledged for her consistent efforts as an active sportsperson and an inspiring motivator.
The students of the Department of Music, Panjab University; Guru Gobind Singh Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Ratwara Sahib; and Ankur School, PU, performed a colourful cultural programme and enthralled the audience.