Chandigarh, 23 January 2025: Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, plans to invite Punjab University, Lahore, for its annual Jhankaar Student Festival in March, marking a potential historic collaboration between the two institutions.
A committee formed by Vice-Chancellor (V-C) Renu Vig has cleared the proposal, but her final approval is awaited before the formal invitation is routed through the Ministry of External Affairs.
The initiative came from Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) President Anurag Dalal.
“This will be the first time both Punjabs could come together for a student fest. There’s a sense of warmth among students from both sides, and we hope to send the invite soon,” Dalal said.
Dean Students Welfare (DSW) has strongly recommended the proposal, while V-C Vig confirmed, “I am awaiting the committee’s final recommendations before proceeding.” Once approved, coordination with Pakistan’s PU students will follow.
However, with the fest approaching in March, time constraints could challenge the plans.
Fest Allocation Sparks Dispute: Amid preparations, PUCSC Vice-President Archit Garg raised concerns about the allocation of events, claiming he was left out.
“Every council member received one fest allocation in previous years, but I’ve been singled out this time,” Garg alleged. Representing the National Students Union of India (NSUI), Garg threatened to escalate the issue if not allotted one of the four student fests.
The DSW is addressing the issue internally while efforts for the cross-border collaboration continue.
