Ludhiana, May 8, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
The Young Writers’ Association under the Directorate of Students’ Welfare at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, organised a unique book reading competition.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from students across the university, who passionately spoke about their favourite books under the theme “Why I Liked This Book.”
Renowned journalist and thinker Mr. Jatinder Pannu, the chief guest, praised the initiative, calling it a welcome departure from conventional student competitions. He lauded PAU for organising such an inspiring event and urged students to go beyond reading books—“Learn to read the expressions of human minds too,” he said.
Highlighting the current moral decline in society, Mr. Pannu emphasised the urgent need for empathy, deep thinking, and humane values, stressing that the youth can play a critical role in preserving humanity. “Your sensitivity can lead the nation towards true prosperity,” he remarked.
Mr. Gurpreet Singh Toor (Retd. IPS), chief patron of Kaafla – Jeeve Jawani, said that reading books reflects a healthy societal trend.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor, presided over the event and spoke of the immense value of books, calling them a “blessing for life.” He noted that, whether in science or literature, books provide a guiding light and that PAU students are fortunate to have access to one of Asia’s largest university libraries, with over 400,000 volumes.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Nirmal Jaura, Director of Students’ Welfare, noted that although this was the competition’s first edition, the student response was overwhelmingly positive. He also shared that reading rooms with quality collections are being developed across hostels to further encourage the reading habit among students.
Dr. Rishipal Singh (IAS), Registrar, PAU, reiterated the university’s commitment to providing students with a stimulating and supportive environment. He mentioned that with the support of the Punjab government, PAU is upgrading its sports fields, hostels, and library infrastructure to modern standards.
Dr. Bikramjit Singh, President of the Young Writers’ Association, shared plans to organise more such literary events. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gosal honoured Mr. Jatinder Pannu with a university memento as a mark of respect. The event also featured soulful musical performances by Harmanjot Singh Mann, Anvesh Rikhi, Jaskirat Singh, and Arshpreet Kaur.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director (Culture), emphasised the importance of cultivating a reading culture in today’s fast-paced world. She noted that the panel of judges for the competition included celebrated ghazal writer Satish Gulati, author Harpal Singh Mangat, and educationist Jaswinder Singh Virk.
The event was graced by literary enthusiasts and dignitaries including Dr. Kamaljit Singh Soori (Joint Director, Students’ Welfare), Dr. Yogta Sharma (University Librarian), Dr. Boota Singh Dhillon, Dr. Harmit Singh Kingra, Dr. Anureet Kaur Chandi, Dr. Gurveer Kaur, Dr. Jaswinder Kaur Brar, educationist Mr. Bhushan Goel, and Mr. Satveer Singh (Registering Officer). Dr. Ashu Toor coordinated the event, while Harmanjot Singh Mann moderated the student presentations.
Winners of the competition were:
First Prize: Vridhi Chhabra and Anmolpreet Kaur
Second Prize: Shalinderjeet Singh
Third Prize: Jobanpreet Singh
Special Appreciation Awards were given to Jashanpreet Kaur, Jasmeen Kaur, and Charanjit Kaur for their commendable presentations.
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