Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Panjab Prant, in collaboration with the Department of Alumni Relations and the College Development Council of Panjab University, Chandigarh, organized a special programme commemorating the 133rd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's historic address at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago on 30 September 2026 at Rajiv Gandhi College Bhawan Hall, Panjab University, Chandigarh. The programme, held under the theme “Harmony in Diversity: Awakening Youth for Nation-Building,” witnessed the participation of 210 people, including students, faculty members and distinguished guests.
The formal proceedings commenced at 2:30 PM with the rendition of Vande Mataram and the Panjab University Anthem, followed by the ceremonial welcome of guests and the lighting of the traditional lamp. Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor and Chief Patron of Panjab University, delivered the inaugural address, setting an uplifting tone for the day. The audience was subsequently enlightened by profound addresses from the Guest of Honour, Pujya Shri Swami Atmashraddhananda Ji of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Mumbai and Chandigarh, and the Chief Guest, Mananeeya Sushri Nivedita Raghunath Bhide Ji, the President of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari.
Their addresses emphasized inner strength, self-discipline, youth empowerment, and the enduring relevance of Swami Vivekananda's teachings in cultivating a harmonious, self-reliant, and progressive nation.
As part of the celebrations, final rounds of competitive events including Declamation, Poster Making, and Slogan Writing were conducted earlier from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, drawing talented participants from various departments and affiliated colleges. A remarkable highlight of the competitions was the stellar performance of Miss Vanshika, a visually impaired student from the Institute of Educational Technology and Vocational Education (IETVE), Panjab University, who clinched the First Prize in the Declamation Contest and captivated the audience with her powerful delivery.
The prize distribution ceremony, held from 4:05 PM onwards, honored top position holders across all categories with trophies, certificates, and cash prizes:
Declamation Contest: First Prize was awarded to Miss Vanshika (IETVE, Panjab University), Second Prize to Miss Rain (Guru Nanak National College, Doraha), and Third Prize to Miss Jaskamal Gill (Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College for Women, Dasuya).
Poster Making Competition: First Prize went to Miss Navneet Kaur (Khalsa College for Women, Sidhwan Khurd), Second Prize to Ms. Riya (Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital), and Third Prize to Mr. Raghunandan Thakur (Swami Premanand Mahavidyalaya, Mukerian).
Slogan Writing Competition: First Prize was secured by Miss Divjot Kaur (Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital), while Second Prize was jointly awarded to Miss Tanvir Kaur (GGDSD College, Hariana) and Miss Anshuka Chaudhury (Government College of Education). Third Prize was jointly shared by Miss Ivneet Kaur (A.S. College of Education) and Miss Palakpreet Kaur (Guru Nanak National College, Doraha).
The programme successfully concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by event coordinators Prof. Latika Sharma, Prof. Shivani Sharma, and Dr. Anju Goyal, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem and high tea, leaving a lasting impact on all participants and reinforcing the vision of an inspired and united youth.
