Panjab University Chandigarh function on September 4, 2026

Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri CP Radhakrishnan Ji

Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria Ji

Chief Minister of Punjab Shri Bhagwant Mann Ji

Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Nayab Singh Saini Ji

Member of Parliament Shri Manish Tewari Ji

Vice Chancellor of PU Dr Meenakshi Goyal Ji

Esteemed Faculties, Guests, Friends of Media, Ladies and Gentlemen!

At the very outset I would like to extend warm welcome to Hon’ble Vice President and Chancellor Shri CP Radhakrishnan Ji and other esteemed dignitaries to this great seat of learning Panjab University, Chandigarh, one of the oldest universities in India, with a long tradition of pursuing excellence in teaching and research in science and technology, humanities, social sciences, performing arts and sports.

I am happy to share that the PU has been recognized by the UGC as the “University with Potential for Excellence in Biomedical Sciences” with facilities for Stem Cell Research and Drug Development.
It is a matter of extreme delight that the University also has various prestigious collaborations with a number of national and international institutes, and is getting liberal grants for pursuing research from various national and international agencies.
Today the University is adding one more feather in its glowing cap in the form of Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory (SAIF)/Central Instrumentation Laboratory (CIL), and the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum (PU TIF), a technology incubation facility.
I am quite hopeful that SAIF/CIL will provide researchers and students access to advanced analytical and scientific instrumentation, enabling high-quality, multidisciplinary research, precise testing and collaboration across diverse fields.
Similarly, PU TIF, as a technology incubation facility, will help translate promising research and innovative ideas into viable technologies, startups and commercial applications by providing mentorship, technical support and an enabling ecosystem.
Dear Friends,
India has seen rapid transformation over the last 12 years under the dynamic leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji across various sectors. Digital and innovation ecosystem is one of them. Patent grants have increased four times. A complete semiconductor ecosystem is now being built in India.

Initiatives such as Startup India, Digital India, Skill India, Space Startup and National Drone Policy are opening a plethora of new opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators. I am happy to share that India now has around 2.5 lakh registered startups, one of the largest startup ecosystems in the world.

In conclusion, I must hope that our academic institutions like Panjab University will further strengthen their legacy of academic excellence, research and innovation to make the Make in India ecosystem more robust in sync with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
By empowering young minds, nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering industry-academia collaboration, our universities can make significant contributions to India’s knowledge economy.
Given the Panjab University’s rich legacy, world-class research and innovation platforms, I expect the University to be a catalyst for Atmanirbhar Bharat, contributing meaningfully to India’s ambition of becoming a developed and technologically advanced nation.

Thank You! Jai Hind!