Facr2News/Chandigarh
Panjab University, Chandigarh, celebrated the joyous festival of Lohri with enthusiasm and grandeur on Monday The celebrations were marked by the launch of the Panjab University 2025 Calendar, unveiled by Professor Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, in the presence of key university officials.
The launch event took place at the Vice Chancellor’s office and was attended by Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar; Prof. Jagat Bhushan, Controller of Examinations; CA Vikram Nayyar, FDO; Prof. Yojna Rawat, Director of the Research and Development Cell; Dr. Vineet Punia, Director Public Relations; and Shri Jatinder Moudgil, Manager, Press.
Addressing the gatherings, Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig extended warm wishes for Lohri, saying, “Lohri is a celebration of harvest, gratitude, and new beginnings. On this auspicious occasion, let us unite to embrace positivity, strive toward our shared goals, and transform Panjab University into a shining beacon of academic excellence and holistic development.”
Following the calendar launch, grand Lohri celebrations were organised outside the Students Centre and Aruna Ranjit Chandra Hall. The Lohri events brought together faculty members, students, and staff in a vibrant display of unity and culture.
Addressing the gatherings, Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig extended warm wishes for Lohri, saying, “Lohri is a celebration of harvest, gratitude, and new beginnings. On this auspicious occasion, let us unite to embrace positivity, strive toward our shared goals, and transform Panjab University into a shining beacon of academic excellence and holistic development.”
In the Students Centre function, Prof. Amit Chauhan, Dean of Student Welfare; Prof. Simrit Kahlon, DSW (Women); other staff members and large number of students were also present. Deputy Registrars, Assistant Registrars, PUSA President Shri Honey Thakur and Office bearers of the non teaching associations also participated in the Aruna Ranjit Chandra Hall function.
The festivities included traditional music, dance, and the lighting of the bonfire, adding to the celebratory atmosphere and reinforcing the spirit of togetherness within the Panjab University community.”
Meanwhile Centre for Social Work, Panjab University, Chandigarh Organises Orientation-Cum-Interactive Session & Lohri Celebration with Social Work Students and Faculty of William Carey University, Meghalaya
The Centre for Social Work, Panjab University, Chandigarh, hosted an engaging orientation-cum-interactive session and Lohri celebration, welcoming the students and faculty of William Carey University, Meghalaya.
The session began with a warm welcome by the Prof. Monica Munjial Singh Chairperson of the Centre for Social Work, Panjab University, who provided an overview of the Centre’s mission and activities.
Following this, MSW students of the Centre introduced the various courses offered and shared insights about the department. A video presentation highlighted the Centre’s key initiatives, including the Rural Camp and “Tarang” fest, an event aimed at promoting local NGOs and startups. The students also entertained the audience with vibrant performances of Himachali, Haryanvi, and Punjabi dances.
The visiting students from Meghalaya enriched the session by sharing details about their academic programs and cultural heritage. They showcased the traditional Jaintia, Bodo, and Garo dances, displayed their stunning traditional attire, and provided an introduction to the various tribes of Meghalaya.
The event concluded with the singing of the Meghalaya anthem and a joyful Lohri celebration, fostering cultural exchange and camaraderie.
Students from Meghalaya were also brought to Gau Grass SevaSamiti for field visit on 11 January 2025.
This event was a wonderful platform for cultural interaction and mutual learning, leaving participants inspired and connected.
In the meanwhile , the Department cum Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, Panjab University Chandigarh organised a Lohri celebration centred around the theme of “Promises and Action for Attaining Gender Equality”.
The event saw active participation from faculty, students, and research scholars of the emerging areas building, and university, fostering awareness and commitment to the cause of gender equality. A gender-sensitive rendition of the traditional Lohri Song, DulhaBhatti, along with a specially composed boliyan advocating for women’s empowerment and gender equality, set the tone for the event.
On the occasion, students recited boliyan to tackle gender-based inequalities, and students were gender sensitised, and made aware about burning gender issues.
The performances emphasised the importance of gender parity, blending tradition with contemporary social issues. The Lohri celebrations were further marked by a symbolic effigy burning, for eliminating social evils, like Gender-based Women, Patriarchy, Acid Attacks, and reinforcing the department’s commitment to addressing gender-based inequalities/injustices.
Also, the participants were invited to write their promises for gender equality on the board, making the festival not only a cultural celebration, but also a platform for social change. The students highlighted the issues of curbing female foeticide, trafficking, sexual harassment at the workplace, eliminating glass ceiling for women, commodification of women, etc. Adding vibrancy to the festivities, students from Northeast India, visiting for a program with the Centre of Social Work, presented captivating dance performances that showcased their cultural heritage, further enriching the celebrations and making it more national.
Prof. Pam Rajput (Prof. Emerita, & Founder Director-DCWSD), and Prof. Manvinder Kaur, Prof. Anil Monga, Prof. Simrit Kahlon (DSW), Dr. Praveen Goyal, Dr.Ameer Sultana, Prof. Namita, Prof. Supinder, Prof. Dinesh, Dr.Bharati, Dr.Bhawna, Dr. Kuldeep, Dr. Prabhdeep, Prof. Monika, guest faculty, non-teaching staff, research scholars, security personnel and students actively participated in the festivities. The Lohri celebrations witnessed active participation across all walks of life.
Earlier, Dr. Rajesh K. Chander, Chairperson, advocated the need for gender equality and equal participation of all genders, to achieve the goal of Gender Inclusive and Just Society. Gender justice in celebrating cultural festivals is the urgent need of the hour, he concluded.
Dr. Ameer Sultana thanked Prof. Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rumina Sethi, DUI, & Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar, and Prof. Pam Rajput, Prof. SimratKahlon (DSW), and the DCWSD organising team for providing the motivation, inspiration and support to organise “Lohri with a difference”.