PU Aligns Global Vision With National Priorities: Vice President at Convocation

Vice President and Panjab University Chancellor C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday said the university’s 143-year legacy continues to strengthen the standards of education in the country, noting that the institution remains one of India’s most historic and distinguished centres of learning. Addressing the 73rd convocation of Panjab University through a video message, he said the long academic journey of the varsity is reflected in the fact that it has already reached its 73rd convocation.

Radhakrishnan highlighted that Panjab University has produced prime ministers, including those of India and a neighbouring country, along with governors, chief justices, Members of Parliament, sportspersons and scientists who proudly call it their alma mater. He said the university’s vision and mission are forward-looking, globally oriented and internationally relevant, while remaining firmly grounded in national priorities.

Referring to the Institutional Development Plan 2025 and the National Education Policy 2020, the Vice President said it was this clear roadmap that enabled Panjab University to publish nearly 11,000 research papers over the past five years. He added that the institution’s growing research output aligns with the national objective of Viksit Bharat 2047, underlining India’s transition from being a technology adopter to a technology creator.

Addressing the graduating students, Radhakrishnan said they were completing their education at a time of unprecedented global change. He urged them to contribute to the next wave of innovation and sustainable development, drawing inspiration from initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India and Make in India. He emphasised that true Atmanirbharta would come when innovation is rooted in Indian knowledge systems and serves national needs.

He also cautioned students against drug abuse, advised them to use social media responsibly and reminded them that a degree marks not the end of learning but the beginning of greater responsibilities. Congratulating the graduates, he said the convocation was an important milestone not only for students but also for their parents, teachers and mentors who shaped their academic journey.

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, addressing the gathering, said nearly 75 per cent of the graduating students were women, calling it a powerful reflection of women’s empowerment through education. He linked the achievement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of increasing women’s participation in higher education and said the trend signalled a positive shift in India’s academic landscape.

Kataria praised Panjab University’s performance in national and international rankings, stating that while the institution enjoys a strong national standing, it also holds the potential to emerge as a globally leading university. Referring to illustrious alumni such as former Prime Ministers Dr Manmohan Singh and I K Gujral, former President Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, Olympian Neeraj Chopra, cricketer Kapil Dev, Nobel laureate Dr Har Gobind Khorana, actors Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher, and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, he said their achievements continue to inspire future generations.

The Governor also highlighted that the conferment of around 350 PhD degrees in less than a year reflected the dedication of students, parents and faculty members, and underscored the university’s expanding research ecosystem.

Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig said Panjab University continues to strengthen its academic and research profile in alignment with national priorities. She cited achievements including 33 patents, major research grants, expanded national and international collaborations, strong alumni support and notable performances at the Khelo India 2025 events.

During the convocation, Doctor of Science Honoris Causa degrees were conferred on Prof K N Pathak and Dr Vijay P Bhatkar, while Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel was awarded the Doctor of Laws. The PU Vigyan Ratna Award was presented to Prof Pradeep Thalappil, the PU Khel Ratna Award to Sarabjot Singh and the PU Sahitya Ratna Award to Amarjit Grewal.