VC leads Panjab University Foundation Day celebrations

In 1871, during an educational conference held in Lahore, attendees asked a question: “Is Panjab ready for a university of its own?” The answer came in affirmative and those present at the conference recommended that the local government should be requested to take up the matter of the Panjab University College, Lahore, getting the powers of conferring degrees with the Central Government.

After persistent efforts and communication with the government, the Panjab University (then University of the Panjab) was finally established on October 14, 1882.

As per archives, 20 students had appeared for undergraduate examination (BA and BSc) and eight had appeared for postgraduate examination (MA). Today, 142 years down the line, there are over 15,000 students studying in the campus itself. A lot has changed for the university and students over the years. While some feel that the students have better opportunities, others think teachers should be bit stricter. But one thing that is common is the admiration for their alma mater.

“So many new departments have been established now in the campus. When I did my MSc in 1967, there used to be only basic courses. The UIET, UILS, Dental College, all came up later,” said Naresh Kochhar who is also the UGC Professor Emeritus in the Geology Department, adding that students getting admission here today should consider themselves lucky.

“I completed my MA in Political Science in 1964, but still consider myself a student of the university, as young as anyone enrolled here,” said Pam Rajput, talking of her days in the campus. “Students today have better facilities at their disposal and they should make the most of these,” she added.

Reminiscing the days when she led the establishment of the Department of Women Studies in 1986, where she is also Professor Emeritus, Pam said the classes of the department used to be held in a bicycle shed near the present day University Business School. “Today, everything well organised for pupils. The facilities are in abundance,” she added.

Another alumnus of the university, Madhav Shyam (77), said one noticeable change he had seen was the students moving from bicycles to cars and bikes. “In those days, the number of cars plying on PU roads was in single digit. Bicycle was the main mode of transport. My teacher Dr GS Gosal, who at that time was Dean Student Welfare, commuted on bicycle. Every department had a cycle shed, which have been converted into canteens now,” said Shyam, who completed his MA in Geography 55 years ago.

Prof Vig hoists university flag

• Panjab University celebrated its Foundation Day today as it completed 142 years of its establishment. VC Prof Renu Vig hoisted the university flag at the function organised by PU NSS at the VC Secretariat.
• Congratulating everyone on the PU Foundation Day, the VC recalled the great contribution of PU, which is one of the oldest universities in India.
• PU DUI Prof Rumina Sethi, Registrar Prof Y.P. Verma, a number of university officers, teachers, staff members, research scholars and students participated in the function organised under the guidance of Parveen Goyal, Programme Coordinator, NSS.