Chandigarh, September 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Friday called for collective efforts to transform the 144-year-old Panjab University into a world-class institution of higher education and research.
During his visit to the university in Chandigarh, Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Advanced Instrumentation Facility at the Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility/Central Instrumentation Laboratories (SAIF/CIL) and the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum (PU-TIF).
The SAIF/CIL and PU-TIF are key components of the university’s academic, applied and translational research ecosystem, offering advanced analytical facilities as well as incubation and entrepreneurial support to researchers, innovators and industry.
Recalling the university’s distinguished legacy since its establishment in 1882, the Vice-President highlighted its contribution to nation-building through generations of leaders, jurists, scientists, sportspersons and public servants.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s higher education and scientific research ecosystem had undergone a transformative change and the country was increasingly emerging as a global destination for quality education, research and innovation.
Describing the two inaugurations as significant milestones, Radhakrishnan said the installation of five advanced scientific instruments would considerably strengthen research capabilities at the university.
The new equipment includes an Atomic Force Microscope, Raman Spectrometer, DNA Sequencer, Flow Cytometer and FTIR Spectrometer. These facilities are expected to support research in areas such as nanotechnology, materials science, environmental science and genomics.
Highlighting the importance of innovation, the Vice-President said the transformation of Bio-NEST into the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum, a Section 8 not-for-profit company, would provide a new institutional framework for research, entrepreneurship and technology development.
He emphasised that innovation flourishes when academia, industry, incubators and investors work together.
Addressing young researchers, Radhakrishnan urged them to pursue science with a clear purpose, remain resilient in the face of failure and develop innovations that are inclusive, scalable and capable of addressing real-world societal needs.
He stressed that research should produce a meaningful impact on society and called upon students and researchers to work in areas where the benefits could reach people at large.
The Vice-President also raised the issue of campus safety following the unfortunate death of a Ph.D. student. He said he had immediately directed the university authorities to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the entire campus.
An internal committee has been constituted to review the existing infrastructure and submit a detailed report, he said, stressing that the safety and well-being of students and staff must remain the university’s highest priority.
Radhakrishnan also urged students to contribute to the vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” by staying away from substance abuse and encouraging their families and friends to do the same.
Concluding his address, the Vice-President expressed confidence that the new scientific facilities and PU-TIF would further enhance Panjab University’s contribution to research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He urged faculty and students to ensure that ideas emerging from classrooms and laboratories are translated into opportunities for young people and contribute to the goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Calling for collective action, Radhakrishnan invited suggestions from the university community on measures that could help transform Panjab University into a world-class institution of higher education and research.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari and Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Meenakshi Goyal, among others, were present at the event.
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