Panjab University announces Fifth Global Alumni Meet on December 21

Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, is all set to host its fifth global alumni meet on December 21. The event will bring together over 1,500 alumni from different fields, showcasing the university’s strong global network. This year, the university will honor the golden and silver jubilee batches of 1974 and 1999. PU Chancellor and Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, is expected to grace the occasion.

Departments across the university are actively registering alumni for the event, with some, like the University Business School (UBS), organizing smaller department-specific gatherings before the main meet. The UBS alumni meet, scheduled for December 14, will feature distinguished guests, including UT Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar, Preety Kumar of Amrop India, Sumit Rai from Edelweiss Life Insurance, and Nitin Burman of Balaji Telefilms.

Distinguished guests and alumni donations

The December 21 event will be attended by several prominent PU alumni, including former Meghalaya Governor KK Paul, Puducherry Governor Kiran Bedi, and ex-IPS officer Atul Karwal. Other notable guests include Kirron Kher, a former MP of Chandigarh, and Manish Tewari, the current MP of Chandigarh.

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A significant focus of the alumni meet is increasing donations to support the university’s growth. Last year, Chancellor Dhankhar stressed the need for stronger financial contributions, setting a target of ₹100 crore. PU Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig mentioned that while alumni donations have been steady, the university aims to match the levels seen at top institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

In 2023, the university raised around ₹6 crore, with contributions coming from notable alumni. Dr. Arun Verma, a 1966-batch graduate, donated ₹3.5 crore to establish a pilot lab, which now bears his name. Other significant donations included ₹1 crore each from Paul Oswal of the Vardhman Group and Rajya Sabha member Vikram Sahney.

Looking ahead

This year, donations are estimated to be between ₹5 crore and ₹10 crore. The funds will go towards enhancing infrastructure, research, and facilities at PU. With such contributions, the university hopes to solidify its position as a leading educational institution in India.

The upcoming alumni meet promises to be a memorable event, celebrating the university’s legacy while building a stronger future through its vibrant network of alumni.