Ludhiana, February 11
Sharing of light-hearted moments, warm bonhomie, blissful camaraderie as well as reminiscing of yester years’ agricultural stalwarts’ notable contributions, marked the 61st alumni meet of the College of Agriculture at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. The oldest alumnus of the College as well as PAU Dr SS Johl, former Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda and former Vice-Chancellor, PAU; Dr Kirpal Singh Aulakh, former Vice-Chancellor, PAU and Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, present Vice-Chancellor, PAU, graced the occasion with their benign presence.
Dating back to the origin of PAU, Dr Johl reflected on the unflinching devotion of predecessors, who had built and contributed immensely to its (PAU) long-standing establishment. “Slowly and slowly, step by step, this agri-varsity has journeyed from strength to strength and glory to glory; and enabled the country to move on from food insecurity to food security. Not forgetting the Punjab farmers, who equally have done marvels, with their toil and sweat, to eliminate the hunger and starvation from India,” said Dr Johl. The veteran agricultural leaders spared no effort in the sky-rocketing success and growth of PAU, he observed, while urging the present and future generation scientists to keep this momentum high in all years to come.
Recollecting the nostalgic moments, Dr Aulakh said that the alumni of this prestigious institution were proud to be its products as they had carved a prominent niche for themselves at the state, national and international levels. “Meeting and partings are part of life,” said he, while lauding the well-played innings of agricultural stalwarts and wishing success to the present-day scientists in all their future endeavours.
Commending the erstwhile years’ agricultural scientists for leaving an indelible mark in the annals of the history, Dr Gosal observed that the ‘past’ was a role model for the ‘present’ and giving a new direction to the ‘tradition’ through ‘innovation’ was need of the hour. Putting a spotlight on the top national NIRF ranking of PAU for the three consecutive years (2023-2025), Dr Gosal sought the blessings and suggestions of the age-old agri-stalwarts to keep the flag of PAU in high-esteem.
On the occasion, the alumni, namely Dr Gulzar Singh, Dr Ranjit Singh and Dr SS Gill recited poetic verses, highlighting PAU’s landmark achievements and expressed concern over the vices prevailing in the society.
Earlier, Dr CS Aulakh, Dean, College of Agriculture (COA), welcomed the dignitaries and the alumni as well as highlighted the ongoing activities and the accolades won by the students, nationally and globally. He divulged that four degree, 10 postgraduate and nine Ph.D programmes were being offered to the students by the College, which had released five and 10 crop varieties at the national and state level, respectively, during the last one year. Besides, it was on its job of developing climate-, water- and tech-smart new crop varieties, and production and protection technologies, he added.
Going down the memory lane, Dr PS Sandhu, Additional Director Extension Education, proposed a vote of thanks.
During the meet, alumni, namely, Dr Johl, Dr Gosal, Dr Aulakh, Dr NS Malhi, former VC, Guru Kashi University, Bathinda; Dr MS Aulakh, former Dean, COA; Dr Gurbachan Singh, former Chairman, ASRB; and Dr SS Bains, former Agriculture Director; and Dr DS Cheema, Member, Board of Management, PAU; honoured former deans, alumni elevated to coveted positions, alumni who had won national awards, generous alumni for making fiscal contributions, and alumni winning team projects as well as Best AICRP Centre Awards. Best extension workers and retired alumni from line departments and PAU were also felicitated. At the meet, golden jubilee and ruby jubilee batch activities were highlighted. The cultural programme, especially bhangra, enthralled the audience, who equally relished the delicacies served the meet.
Celebrating 60 years of PAU’s rock solid-bond between farmers-scientists and its monumental achievements, a set of four coffee table books titled, “Ushering in Green Revolution: PAU’s Colossal Feat;” “Agricultural Development in Punjab: PAU’s Colossal Feat;” “Farmers-Scientists’ Evergreen Bond: PAU’s Colossal Feat;” “Skilling Young and Old Punjab: PAU’s Colossal Feat” were distributed among the alumni. Additionally, ‘AGALUMNUS’ brought out by Alumni Association of COA, was also released by the dignitaries.
