Panjab University Announces Honoris Causa Degrees and PU Ratna Awards for 72nd Convocation
Chandigarh, March 3, 2025
Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, is all set to host the 72nd Convocation on March 12 at the PU Gymnasium Hall. The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will preside over and address the 72nd Convocation. Medals, prizes, and degrees will be awarded to PU students who passed examinations in 2024 during the Convocation ceremony.
Smt. Droupadi Murmu will be the sixth President of India to deliver the Convocation address at PU. Earlier, Sh. Pranab Mukherjee, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Giani Zail Singh, Shri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, and Dr. Rajinder Prasad delivered the Convocation address in 2015, 2007, 1985, 1981, and 1951, respectively.
Noted mathematician Dr. R.J. Hans-Gill, Shri Kamlesh D. Patel, and Sushri Nivedita Raghunath Bhide will receive honorary degrees from the President of India. Dr. R.J. Hans-Gill and Shri Kamlesh D. Patel will receive the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), while Sushri Nivedita Raghunath Bhide will receive the Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa).
Noted personalities Dr. Gurtej Singh Sandhu, Dr. Harmohinder Singh Bedi, Dr. Pushvinder Jit Singh, Ms. Manu Bhaker, and Dr. Jaspinder Narula will be honoured with the Vigyan Ratna, Sahitya Ratna, Udyog Ratna, Khel Ratna, and Kala Ratna awards, respectively, for their significant contributions to their respective fields.
Dr. R. J. Hans-Gill is a distinguished mathematician known for her pioneering contributions to Number Theory, Discrete Geometry, and the Geometry of Numbers.
Shri Kamlesh D. Patel is a renowned pharmacist-entrepreneur, scientific innovator, environmentalist, celebrated author, and spiritual leader.
Sushri Nivedita Raghunath Bhide, a Padma Shri awardee, has dedicated her life to social service and the promotion of Indian culture. She has authored numerous books and has been an influential voice in national and international forums.
Dr. Gurtej Singh Sandhu is a globally renowned semiconductor innovator with 1,382 U.S. patents, playing a pivotal role in advancing memory chip technology. As Vice President at Micron Technology, he continues to drive innovation in AI, semiconductor fabrication, and nanotechnology.
Dr. Harmohinder Singh Bedi, Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, is a celebrated academician and author with over 30 books to his name. His research on Punjab’s cultural and literary contributions to Hindi literature has earned him prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri.
Dr. Pushvinder Jit Singh, a visionary entrepreneur and Managing Director of Tynor Orthotics Ltd., has revolutionized India’s orthopedic support industry. Under his leadership, Tynor is considered the country’s top brand and a global leader, exporting products to 60 countries.
Ms. Manu Bhaker, a record-breaking Indian shooter, has brought laurels to the nation with multiple Olympic, World Championship, and Asian Games medals.
Dr. Jaspinder Narula, an acclaimed playback and Sufi singer, has mesmerized audiences with her powerful voice in Hindi and Punjabi music. A Filmfare Award winner, she has also contributed significantly to devotional and classical music.
Panjab University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Renu Vig, congratulated all the awardees and degree recipients, expressing pride in their hard work and dedication. “This Convocation marks the culmination of years of effort, and we are honored to recognize the exceptional contributions of our awardees across various fields. The Honoris Causa degrees and PU Ratna awards highlight the extraordinary achievements of individuals whose work continues to inspire future generations. We are grateful to the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, for graciously agreeing to grace the occasion with her presence and address. This is a momentous occasion for our university, and we look forward to celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of our students and alumni,” she said.
