Ludhiana, November 14
SCD Government College, Ludhiana, organised its annual Pyrize Distribution Function at the Sahir Auditorium, with Dr. Jagdeep Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, as the Chief Guest. The programme commenced with college Shabad Gayan and a formal welcome and felicitation of the Chief Guest and the dignitaries. Dr. Jagdeep Singh is an eminent academician and administrator with a strong background in scientific research. He holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from Punjabi University, Patiala, and completed his postdoctoral research at the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru, specialising in Molecular Biology. His research interests include DNA methylation in cancer and the epigenetics of ageing, and he has published over 20 research papers in the fields of systematics and cancer epigenetics. He has also served as a Biotechnology Consultant at Pushpa Gujral Science City, where he led several science outreach and research-oriented projects, including the Biotechnology Gallery, Evolution Gallery and Dinosaur Park. Notably, he played a significant role in the establishment of IISER Mohali as Project Coordinator appointed by the Government of Punjab.
Principal Professor (Dr.) Gursharn Jit Singh Sandhu formally welcomed and honoured the Chief Guest, dignitaries, principals of various colleges, former principals, retired faculty members and the Secretary of the Alumni Association. He subsequently presented the Annual Report, highlighting the college’s academic, infrastructural, cultural and sporting achievements. Founded in 1920, SCD Government College has grown into a prestigious institution under Panjab University, offering 16 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to more than 5,000 students, with students securing top positions in Panjab University in subjects including Hindi, Chemistry, English and Physics. Several students also qualified competitive examinations such as the UGC-NET. In extracurricular activities, the college won the Overall Trophy at the Zonal Youth Festival, while students excelled in basketball, wrestling, athletics, volleyball and hockey at university, national and international levels. The contribution of NSS, NCC, Youth Services, Red Cross Society, Red Ribbon Club, Women Development Council, Legal Literacy Cell and Eco Club was also acknowledged.
The Prize Distribution Function recognised students’ achievements across academic, cultural and sporting domains for the sessions 2023-24 and 2024-25 in academics, and 2024-25 and 2025-26 in cultural activities. The awards conferred included the Jagdev Singh Olympian Award for Excellence in Sports, Satish Chander Dhawan Award, Sahir Order of Merit, Prof. Abhay Oswal Gold Medal, Prof. R. L. Aggarwal Award, Raviinder Singh Cash Award and Dr. Dharam Singh Gill Memorial Trophy and Cash Award among others. A total of 49 Roll of Honour awards, 131 College Colours and 180 Merit Certificates were awarded for outstanding achievements in academics, cultural activities and sports. Awards were also presented to the best volunteers and members of various college committees in recognition of their contributions. The Student of the Year awards were awarded to Shruti Khaira for the sessions 2024-25 and Harneet Kaur for 2025-26 for their all-round performances.
Delivering the Chief Guest’s Address, Dr. Jagdeep Singh expressed his honour at witnessing the achievements of the students firsthand and commended the teachers for their guidance and contribution. Emphasising the evolving role of teachers in the age of Artificial Intelligence, he highlighted their importance in shaping students’ personalities and values. He encouraged the students to carry forward the legacy of the college’s illustrious alumni and always uphold its motto, “Dare to be True,” by striving to become good human beings. He urged them to sustain their zeal and enthusiasm to contribute positively to society and make Punjab proud on a global scale while remaining rooted in their culture and traditions. He particularly reminded the students never to forget their roots as they progress in life.
The Chief Guest also inaugurated the newly renovated Seminar Hall of the college, renovated with financial assistance of Rs. 25 lakh the renovated facility will further strengthen the college’s academic infrastructure and provide an enhanced space for seminars and academic activities. Principals of various colleges, former principals, retired faculty members, serving faculty and other distinguished guests were also present and honoured on the occasion.
The Prize Distribution Function was formally declared closed, followed by a vote of thanks by College Registrar Prof. Devina Ghai, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, faculty, staff and students for making the occasion a success.
