“KAVACH:  Ranneeti Ka Rangmanch” starts at Panjab University’s Student Centre

Chandigarh, March 5, 2025: Annual literary and cultural fest of Panjab University’s Department of Defence & National Security Studies “KAVACH:  Ranneeti Ka Rangmanch” started at Panjab University’s Student Centre, here today . 

This year, the department is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of its establishment.
 
Lt. Gen. Ajay Chandpuria, AVSM,VSM, General Officer Commanding, 11 Corps, was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the fest, held in Law Auditorium, Panjab University. Malvinder Singh Kang, Member of Parliament, Anandpur Sahib, was the guest of honour, while Prof. Yojna Rawat, Director of Research & Development Cell, Panjab University delivered the presidential address.

The Department is organising various activities like military equipments and weapon display by the Western Command, Chandimandir, where infantry battalion weapons were displayed, various models of planes and ships are also being displayed by the 1 Chandigarh Air Squadron and 1 Chandigarh naval unit respectively, a musical performance by the BIG Band (Bonded in Gratitude), comprising of visually impaired students from different colleges/departments of Panjab University. Also a blood donation camp with assistance from PGI Chandigarh, open mic, military quiz, fun & sports activities are also being organised. The event was well received and appreciated and a great footfall of more than 1000 people was seen on the first day of the event. It was attended by the general masses,  students of the various colleges and schools,  cadets of Chandigarh NCC army, air and naval wings, veterans, serving officers, students, research scholars and faculty of University. Event was sponsored by Crest Bell Support Private Limited.

The Chief Guest of the event, Lt. Gen. Ajay Chandpuria, AVSM,VSM, General Officer Commanding, 11 Corps, gave an address on the role of the armed forces in nation building. He started his address by giving a broad outlook of our nation, by discussing its population composition, economy, strategic geography, and its land and maritime borders. He emphasised that our nation is a work in progress. We are taking on big international strategic infrastructure projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. It is difficult to encompass our nation, it is sending missions to the moon, and at the same time its people are facing issues of poverty, health etc. While referring to ongoing turmoil in the world, like the crisis in Ukraine, Syria, Sudan, Congo, Yemen, he emphasised the role of national security for India. He elaborated on the role of the Indian Army, which extends from maintaining territorial integrity to infrastructure building, taking educational initiative, extending medical help, ecological sustenance, international peace initiative, while maintaining its core values of integrity, discipline, loyalty, courage, professionalism and patriotism.

The guest of honour, Malvinder Singh Kang, Member of Parliament, Anandpur Sahib, who had been previously two times president of Panjab University Student Council, commended the effort of the department since its inception in spreading awareness on the issues of national security. He announced a grant of 10 lakhs for the Department. He said that he had visited various prestigious universities in the world but there was no campus as beautiful as Panjab University. He acknowledged the big role played by the people of Punjab in the safety and security of the nation. He recognised the role of India Military in ensuring India’s national security. 

The presidential address was given by Prof. Yojna Rawat, Director of Research & Development Cell, Panjab University. She encouraged the department to organise more such events to foster holistic development among the students of the university. 

Col Sarfraz Singh and Maj Deependra Vikram Basnet, Kirti Chakra shared experiences of their illustrious service with the Indian Army and encouraged students to join the Indian forces.

Earlier, Dr. Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairman, DDNSS welcomed all the guests, university faculty, students and NCC cadets present for the event. He outlined the objective of the fest to enhance the civilian connection with the Armed Forces especially with the youth of colleges and universities and to enhance the awareness of the subject discipline amongst the masses. Inaugural of the event was convened by Dr. Shaveri Thakur.