Chandigarh, December 13, 2025
The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today presided over and delivered the convocation address at the 73rd Convocation of Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh. Medals, prizes and degrees to the PU students passing examinations in 2025 were awarded at the convocation.
During the convocation, Doctor of Science Honoris Causa degrees were conferred upon Prof. K.N. Pathak and Dr Vijay P. Bhatkar, while Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel was conferred the Doctor of Laws. The PU Vigyan Ratna Award was presented to Prof. Pradeep Thalappil, the PU Khel Ratna Award was conferred upon Sarabjot Singh, and the PU Sahitya Ratna Award was presented to Amarjit Grewal.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, appreciated the achievements of the graduating students and awardees. “The fact that nearly 75 per cent of graduating students today are women is a powerful reflection of women empowerment through education.” He further linked it to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for increasing women’s participation in higher education.
Appreciating Panjab University’s number of achievements in national and international rankings, the Governor said that while the University has a strong national standing, it also has the potential to emerge as a globally leading institution.
Mentioning the illustrious alumni of the University like former Prime Ministers Dr Manmohan Singh and Shri 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.
Referring to the conferment of 350 PhDs in a span of less than a year, the Governor described the achievement as a testament to the dedication of students, parents and faculty members.
In her address, the PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig said that Panjab University continues to strengthen its academic and research profile in alignment with national priorities. Highlighting recent achievements, she mentioned 33 patents, major research grants, expansion of national and international collaborations, strong alumni support, and an impressive performance at the Khelo India 2025 events.
Earlier, the ceremony commenced with a group photograph of gold medallists, followed by the donning of robes by dignitaries and an academic procession led by the Vice-Chancellor, Deans of University Instruction and senior functionaries.
The Education Minister of Punjab, Shri Harjot Singh Bains, DUI Prof. Yojna Rawat, PU Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma, along with senior officers of the University, faculty members, students and their family members, were also present on the occasion.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, an alumnus of Panjab University, said Panjab University is a leading university in the nation, noting that it has produced distinguished professionals across fields.
Receiving the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), Indian computer scientist Dr Vijay P. Bhatkar said, “I have never worked for ranks or prizes, but I understand that performance is integral,” reflecting on his lifelong contribution to national supercomputing, digital inclusion and institution-building.
Prof K.N. Pathak, former PU Vice-Chancellor, who was also conferred the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), recalled his long association with the university, saying, “I have been associated with Panjab University since the 1970s, starting as a Reader and later serving as Professor, Dean and Vice-Chancellor. Physics remains one of the strongest departments with a distinguished faculty.”
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, who was conferred the Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), described the honour as deeply personal, stating, “I am fortunate to receive an Honoris Causa degree from Panjab University. I have a 50-year association with PU, having pursued my education here. I am proud to belong to PU and believe there is no comparable university to PU in the world.”
Vigyan Ratna awardee Prof Pradeep Thalappil, Padma Shri recipient and IIT Madras professor, emphasised the role of education in nation-building, saying, “The Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and the future of Panjab University are integrally linked to education, which remains the core of development.”
Khel Ratna awardee and Olympic medallist Sarabjot Singh credited the university for his journey, saying, “Panjab University has supported me since 2018 through my UG, PG and diploma, including managing exam clashes. I hope more athletes join PU and bring laurels to the university.”
Sahitya Ratna recipient Amarjit Grewal highlighted the university’s cultural significance, remarking, “True recognition lies in creativity itself, and universities must encourage dialogue among different disciplines.”
