CHANDIGARH: Panjab University, Chandigarh, hosted its 6th Global Alumni Meet, bringing together distinguished alumni including Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Swatanter Kumar, Chandigarh DGP Dr Sagar Preet Hooda, Padma Shri awardee Prof (Dr) Neelam Mansingh Chaudhary, and Acharya Krishan Kant Attri, MBE, The Hindu Chaplain with HM Forces, UK.
Addressing the alumni, in her inaugural address PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig referred to various contributions made by PU’s global alumni network to advance innovation, academic excellence, and comprehensive student development across all departments. Notable contributions include the establishment of the AI Data Centre at UIET, the state-of-the-art Zoology Auditorium, modernised infrastructure in the University Business School, and advanced research facilities in Biophysics, Human Genome Studies, Defence & National Security Studies, and Computer Science & Applications, she mentioned.
Mentioning the role of Alumni, Prof. Vig said, “Alumni have played a pivotal role in supporting scholarships, mentorship programs, placement drives, expert lectures, industry interactions, and specialised workshops, providing students with real-world exposure, career guidance, and research opportunities”.
Justice Swatanter Kumar, Former Judge Supreme Court of India and Former Chairperson, National Green Tribunal, lauded Panjab University as a place “where generations meet and character is carved.” Speaking of the Department of Laws, he reflected that education here has always been a force that could “either make a man or destroy a man, ” depending on how sincerely it is embraced. He said that he learnt humility from PU when a mess worker came to ask about his injury he had suffered during the football game as he emphasized that the campus comes together to help individuals.
In his engaging talk, Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, Director General of Police, Chandigarh, and alumnus of the Department of Sociology, shared his heartfelt gratitude to the University that shaped both his intellect and spirit. Having completed his Master’s and Ph.D. at PU in 1989, he fondly remembered vibrant years spent on the green, serene, and close-knit campus.
Acharya Krishan Kant Attri, MBE, The Hindu Chaplain with HM Forces, UK, emphasised the strong presence of women on stage, remarking that “where women are honoured, success follows; where they are not, failure does.” He has completed over 420 marathons across the world, his message to the alumni was to give generously and live meaningfully. “Keep smiling, keep inspiring, and keep shining.”
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Neelam Mansingh Chaudhary, Padma Shri awardee and internationally acclaimed theatre artist, took the audience through her journey from Amritsar to the Department of Indian Theatre and to Hostel No. 3, Sarojini Hall, where she learned not only art but awareness as well. She recalled how her teachers taught her to look at a piece of art, hold it, and truly see it — not as a pastime but as a discipline. She credited Ibrahim Alkazi, during his lecture in the Department of English, for opening her eyes to theatre as a profession that demands skill, partnership, and passion.
Distinguished Alumni Mr. Anirudh Saraswat, Dr. Amarendra Behera, Ms. Jasmine Rana, Mr. Manish Jindal and Mr. Tarun Jain also spoke on the occasion and announced various initiatives in education, mentorship, innovation, and mental health for the University. From establishing a Centre for Excellence in Robotics to launching a digital mental health platform, they reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing future generations and the University’s growth.