The Departmental Chapter of the Alumni Meet, 2024 held

Chandigarh, December 20, 2024: The Departmental Chapter of the Alumni Meet, 2024 was organised by Department -cum -Centre for Women’s Studies and development, Panjab University, Chandigarh today in hybrid mode, under the aegis of 5th Global Alumni Meet. The event aimed at reconnecting, and cherishing the past memories.  

Dr Rajesh K. Chander, Chairperson, welcomed the alumni and appreciated their presence and urged for greater collaboration of the alumni for the development of the department. In his welcome address, he updated the alumni regarding the courses and initiatives taken by the department and inspired them to work collectively to take the department to greater heights. 

Prof. Pam Rajput, Professor Emerita and founder director of the department while speaking, recollected the bond shared by a teacher and student. She also highlighted the importance of being connected to each other so that young minds can contribute to the department, and society at large. She congratulated and blessed the alumni for their accomplishment and wished them luck for their future endeavours.

On this momentous day, one of the alumni, Dr M.H. Mir’s book titled, “Domestic Tourism in Kashmir: Potential, Problems and Prospects”, was released. The empirical study covers six important tourist places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Srinagar, Yousmarg and Doodh Pathri. The book highlighted the recreation sites, places of religious importance, trekking routes and approaches to have a wholesome visiting experience. The major finding is the fact that the key decision makers in households regarding tour and travel plans is often lead female member of the family. The book is of practical application for all the tourism stakeholders and is worth-read both for potential visitors and tourism practitioners handling tourism on ground, and at policy formulation level. 

Furthermore, the alumni also shared their experiences and expressed their gratitude towards the department and their happiness in getting reunited with their friends and faculty. Some of them also gave insightful suggestions to improve the alumni-faculty interface. 

Prof Manvinder Kaur, former Chairperson of the department presented vote of thanks. First and foremost, she thanked Prof. Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rumina Sethi, DUI, & Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar, and Prof. Pam Rajput, Dr. Ameer Sultana, Dr. Rajesh K. Chander, and the DCWSD organising team for providing the motivation, encouragement and support to organise the Alumni Meet successfully. She further thanked all the alumni who spared their valuable time and urged for further participation in the department. The compering of the event was done by Ms Veerdeep and Ms Shweta.