Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CUPB) under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari organized an International Quiz Competition and a Webinar to mark the Opening Ceremony of ‘Azaadi ka Amrut Mahotsav ‘, 75-week-long celebrations dedicated to 75 Years of India’s Independence. The Amrut Mahotsav celebrations began on 12th March, 2021, 75 weeks before India’s 75th Independence Day i.e. 15th August, 2022. The invited speaker of the Webinar held under this Inaugural Ceremony was Prof. Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Kushabhau Thakre Journalism and Mass Communication University of Chhattisgarh.The programme commenced with the welcome address by Prof. Harpal Singh Pannu, Chair Professor, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Chair, where he put a light on the activity theme.The International Quiz Competition was conducted on a virtual platform. A total of 2051 participants including Indian Nationals from more than 27 states of India and NRIs from 14 foreign countries registered and participated. During this Quiz Competition, Dr. Felix Bast asked 75 questions related to Indian Freedom Struggle to the participants. Mr. Suraj Sharma (Jawahar Lal Nehru College, Faridabad), Mr. Amit Kumar Singh (University of Allahabad) and Mr. Karthikeyan Swaminathan (PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore) got the first, second and third position in this competition and was awarded with the cash prize of Rs 5000/-, Rs 3500/- and Rs 2500/- respectively.
In his presidential address Prof. Tiwari mentioned that today the entire nation stands united under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to celebrate the inauguration of 75-week ceremony ‘Azaadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’ dedicated to 75 Years of India’s Independence. He expressed his gratitude towards Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi Ji and freedom fighters from all across our country who have made invaluable contributions in the freedom struggle of the nation. He appealed to the young generation to remember the sacrifice of freedom fighters, stay united, act like a responsible citizen and work towards building a Self-Reliant Nation.In his keynote address, Prof. Baldeo Bhai Sharma shared his views on the topic ‘Responsibility of Citizens & Role of Civic Sense in Nation Building Process;’. He said that we should understand the importance of our Independence and proudly share our history of freedom struggle with others. He encouraged youngsters to deeply associate with our ancient values given by Indian Knowledge Systems which has its roots in Universal Brotherhood and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He stated that our Vedas and our Gurus have enlightened us to serve the society and take care of our natural surroundings. He urged participants to follow their duty towards society and work together to reestablish India as a Viahav Guru.Towards the end, Dr. Rajindra Kumar Sen and Dr. Sumedha Dutta thanked everyone for making this programme a success. Faculty, staff members and students from different departments attended this programme.