Prem Chand Markanda S.D. College for Women Etches its Legacy with Golden Jubilee

Jalandhar, October 23, 2024: Prem Chand Markanda S.D. College for Women, Jalandhar, jubilantly commemorated its golden jubilee with resplendent festivities that befitted the institution’s illustrious history. 

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of the Honourable Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, who was the chief guest. Alongside him, an array of distinguished luminaries, including Satish Kumar, associated with the Swavlambi Bharat Abhiyan, Siddharth Sharma of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Vinay Kumar, Advisor to the Cooperative Department, Haryana Government, Vijay Gulati, Organisation Secretary of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir) and Shri K.D. Bhandari, Metropolitan Director of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, were in attendance. 

The roster of distinguished guests also included former legislator and industrialist Vivek Thapar, and C.M. Markanda, former Principal of the college and member of the Governing Body, alongside other dignitaries such as Shakuntala Budhia, Dr. Madhu Prashar, Dr. Subhash Sharma, and Vikas Arora. The event was further elevated by the participation of representatives from various social service organisations and industrial entities affiliated with the institution. Principals from across the SD Management family also graced the event with their presence.

In true Punjabi tradition, the Governor was accorded a ceremonial reception at the college’s grand entrance. Following this, he was acquainted with the college’s commendable efforts under the aegis of the Swavlambi Bharat Abhiyan, which he praised in no uncertain terms. Upon his arrival at the main pavilion, he was presented with floral tributes by the dignitaries, including Naresh Budhia, President of the College Management Committee, Senior Vice President Vinod Dada, Secretary Naresh Markanda and Principal Prof.(Dr.) Pooja Prashar. 

Joining them were members of the management committee, namely Raman Budhia, Praveen Dada, T.N. Lama, and D.K. Joshi. The formal proceedings commenced with a solemn rendition of the national anthem, setting the tone for the ceremony. This was followed by a spellbinding Ganesh Vandana dance performance, which was met with effusive admiration.

Principal Prof.(Dr.) Pooja Prashar, in her eloquent introduction, extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to Honourable Governor Kataria, lauding his presence at this momentous occasion. A soul-stirring classical music performance by Dr. Anu Bala, a faculty member, added a note of gravitas to the celebration.

In his keynote address, Governor Kataria extolled the college’s half-century legacy, lauding its management for the institution’s unwavering commitment to the noble cause of women’s education in northern India. He spoke on the venerated role of the teacher as the bedrock of society and exhorted students to rise above societal vices, encouraging them to foster change. The Governor further celebrated the exalted stature of women, emphasizing their role as the bastions of cultural values and traditions. Highlighting the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, he underscored its pivotal role in propelling India towards a prosperous future. 

In an act of magnanimity, the Governor felicitated the key contributors to the Swavlambi Bharat Abhiyan.

Satish Kumar, in his address, delineated the essence of entrepreneurship, galvanizing the youth to embrace self-reliance as a cardinal virtue. The highlight of the event was the ceremonial unveiling of the college’s golden jubilee souvenir by the Honourable Governor, a moment that encapsulated the institution’s storied past. 

Following this, a memento was presented to the Governor as a token of the college’s deep appreciation. The audience was then treated to a resplendent rendition of the Radha Krishna Raas Leela, a dance performance that transported them to a realm of celestial beauty, leaving them enraptured.

In his closing remarks, Naresh Markanda, Secretary of the College Management Committee, extended his felicitations to the college community on this historic occasion and conveyed his profound gratitude to Governor Kataria for his gracious presence. He also expressed his appreciation to the other dignitaries who had lent their august presence to the celebration. 

Under the aegis of the Swavlambi Bharat Abhiyan, seven individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions, including Amit Jain, Managing Director of Messrs Atam Valves Ltd., Manish Khanna, Director of Shri Krishna Printers Co-operative Society Ltd., Thakur Udayveer Singh, Founder and CMD of Space Race Architects, Ranjeet Singh, Managing Director of Giani Farms, and Dr. Gurbir Singh Gill, Managing Director of Oxford Hospital, Jalandhar.

The meticulous compering by Shikha Puri and Rachna Ralhan lent a seamless flow to the proceedings, which culminated with the national anthem, bringing the momentous event to a fitting close. Dr. Neena Mittal, Captain Priya Mahajan and Dr. Divya Budhia were the coordinators of the event.