Chandigarh, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria highlighted that 75 percent of the graduating students are women during the 73rd convocation of Panjab University (PU) held here on Saturday. Degrees, medals, and prizes were awarded to students completing their examinations in 2025.

At this ceremony, Doctor of Science Honoris Causa degrees were awarded to Prof K.N. Pathak and Dr. Vijay P. Bhatkar, while Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel received the Doctor of Laws.

The PU Vigyan Ratna Award went to Prof Pradeep Thalappil, the PU Khel Ratna Award was given to Sarabjot Singh, and Amarjit Grewal received the PU Sahitya Ratna Award.

In his address, the Governor commended the accomplishments of the graduating students and award recipients. “The fact that nearly 75 percent of graduating students today are women is a powerful reflection of women empowerment through education.”

He also connected this achievement to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at enhancing women’s participation in higher education.

The Governor acknowledged Panjab University’s numerous successes in national and international rankings, indicating its potential to become a globally recognized institution.

Mentioning notable alumni such as former Prime Ministers Dr. Manmohan Singh and I.K. Gujral, former President 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 noted that their accomplishments continue to motivate future generations.

Referring to the conferment of 350 PhDs within less than a year, the Governor described this milestone as a tribute to the commitment of students, their families, and faculty members.

In her speech, Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig mentioned that the university is dedicated to enhancing its academic and research stature in line with national objectives. She highlighted recent milestones, including 33 patents, significant research funding, and the expansion of national and international collaborations, as well as strong alumni support and outstanding performance at the Khelo India 2025 events.

The event began with a group photo of gold medallists, followed by dignitaries donning robes and an academic procession led by the Vice-Chancellor, Deans of University Instruction, and senior officials. Present were Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, DUI Prof Yojna Rawat, PU Registrar Prof Y.P. Verma, alongside senior university officers, faculty, students, and their families.