Ludhiana, December 5, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
The College of Basic Sciences and Humanities (COBSH), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), in collaboration with the Association of Basic Sciences and Humanities Alumni (ABHA), celebrated a grand Alumni Meet filled with warmth, nostalgia, and scholarly pride.
The event brought together eminent alumni, faculty, retired stalwarts, and students, making it one of the most memorable gatherings of the college. Padma Bhushan Dr S.S. Johal, globally renowned agricultural economist, Former Chairman of the Punjab State Farmers’ Commission, Former Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University Patiala, and one of PAU’s most revered thinkers, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In a deeply emotional address, Dr Johal revisited his association with PAU that began in 1948, when he joined as an Assistant Professor of Statistics, even before the Department of Economics came into existence.
Walking down memory lane, he recalled how the Department of Genetics once operated under COBSH and how the college was established to embed strong basic science research within the University framework.
Drawing an insightful analogy, he remarked that, just as the human body depends on every organ for optimal functioning, an institution thrives on the strength of its colleges and departments.
He fondly remembered collaborating with distinguished academicians, including Dr Jairoop Singh, former VC GNDU and Punjab Rattan awardee, describing him as a par excellence geneticist who built world-class laboratory infrastructure.
He also appreciated the contribution of PAU geneticist Dr Akshay Gupta, whose wheat lines were used internationally, and applauded former PAU VC Dr Kahlon, his colleague Dr I.S. Bhatia, and many others who helped build PAU with integrity, humour, and hard work.
Reflecting on PAU’s remarkable legacy, Dr Johal said that PAU has produced Vice-Chancellors, IAS and IPS officers and globally recognized scientists because its admissions and appointments have always been spotless, transparent and merit-driven.
Expressing concern over the diminishing number of boys in agricultural courses, he remarked with characteristic candour that the new slogan should be “Munde Padhao, Munde Bachao,” highlighting the drug menace affecting Punjab’s youth.
Addressing teachers, he urged them to shape students by showing them how to live, not merely through textbooks, adding that a student who excels beyond the teacher is proof of a good teacher. He encouraged educators and students alike to cultivate curiosity, integrity, courage, and trust.
PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the vital role of alumni in sustaining the University’s stature. He said that strong alumni keep the flag of their alma mater flying high, and highlighted how PAU’s 63-year journey is rooted in excellence in research, teaching and extension.
He proudly shared PAU’s recent recognitions, including being declared the Best State Agricultural University in India for the third consecutive year by NIRF, ranking globally among the Top 100 Agricultural Research Institutes by the USA, and inclusion among the top agricultural universities of BRICS nations.
Discussing recent government grants, Dr Gosal announced transformative upgrades, including the expansion of library capacity, renovation of academic buildings, construction of new hostels, advanced infrastructure for AI, IoT and robotics, revamping of laboratories and the media cell, creation of a Spring Garden and Tulip Garden, establishment of a Speed Breeding Facility, Drone Pilot Training Centre, Germplasm Bank, Technology Park, and several other initiatives.
He further shared that 41 PAU students secured the Prime Minister’s Fellowship and 25 received INSPIRE Fellowships, with the highest number belonging to COBSH. Dr Gosal expressed delight at having Dr S.S. Johal—one of PAU’s oldest and most distinguished alumni—present at the event, and urged alumni worldwide to remain connected and continue supporting the University’s vision.
Earlier, the the Chief Guest, Dr Johal, PAU VC, Dr SS Gosal and Dr Kiran Bains, Dean COBSH and President of ABHA, honoured distinguished alumni who rose to prominence as Vice-Chancellors of various universities.
These included Dr Jairoop Singh, former VC GNDU and Punjab Rattan awardee; Dr R.S. Bawa, former VC Chandigarh University; Dr V.P. Gupta, former VC Rajendra Agricultural University, PUSA; Dr Amrik Singh Ahluwalia, former Pro Vice-Chancellor, GNDU; Dr Gursharan Singh Randhawa, former VC Guru Kashi University; Dr Pratibha Goyal, former VC Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya; and Dr S.S. Gosal, current VC PAU.
Former COBSH Deans, including Dr Gurinder Sangha and Dr Shammi Kapoor, were also honoured for their distinguished service. A Coffee Table Book commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of COBSH (1965–2025) was released on the occasion, and teachers who superannuated in the last three years were felicitated.
The Alumni Meet featured vibrant alumni–student interaction sessions, fun activities, cultural performances, a group photograph and selfie booth, election of the new Council and Executive Members, and a fellowship lunch celebrating shared memories and new beginnings.
The event was coordinated by Dr S.S. Hundal, Secretary ABHA and Former Head of Department of Zoology, COBSH.
The COBSH Alumni Meet beautifully showcased PAU’s foundation in basic sciences, the strength of its alumni network, and the University’s unwavering commitment to excellence. With heartfelt reflections from stalwarts like Dr S.S. Johal and the visionary outlook of VC Dr Gosal, the event reaffirmed PAU’s legacy as a premier agricultural institution shaping leaders, innovators and thinkers across the world.
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