In a heartfelt demonstration of social commitment and community outreach, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has formally adopted Gaggar village in Ajnala tehsil, a hamlet severely affected by recent floods, under its village adoption programme. On Friday, the university organised a major winter relief drive, distributing essential warm clothing and bedding to economically weaker and flood-hit families, reflecting the compassionate and visionary leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh.
The event commenced with Prof. Balbir Singh, NSS Coordinator, welcoming the gathering and outlining the goals of the adoption initiative. He stressed how such programmes, driven by the National Service Scheme, foster a strong bond between academia and society while instilling values of service, empathy, and responsibility in students.
Prof. Karamjeet Singh, whose humane approach and dedication to societal welfare have earned widespread admiration, personally interacted with villagers and addressed them. Extending greetings on the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he paid tributes to the supreme sacrifice of the young Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji.
When the sarpanch and panchayat members highlighted the absence of a primary school — with only an anganwadi functioning — and lack of any health facility, the Vice-Chancellor assured them of GNDU’s earnest efforts, invoking the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji whose revered name the university bears. He promised proactive steps to facilitate primary education and basic healthcare in the village.
In a touching gesture that underscored his humility and hands-on commitment, Prof. Singh personally distributed blankets, sweaters, and warm bedsheets to needy families. Recalling GNDU’s proactive community engagement, participants noted how, under Prof. Karamjeet Singh’s dynamic guidance, the university had earlier spearheaded a massive cleanliness campaign to make Amritsar greener and cleaner.
NSS volunteers had cleaned roads from the campus to Putligarh Chowk and supported civic authorities in their sanitation drive. The adoption of Gaggar and the current relief effort mark yet another milestone in this ongoing series of people-oriented initiatives inspired by the Vice-Chancellor’s far-sighted and service-oriented vision.
The programme was ably conducted by Dr. Harkaran Kaur, NSS Programme Officer, with enthusiastic participation from NSS volunteers. Among those present were Prof. Palwinder Singh (Dean, Academic Affairs), Prof. Karamjeet Singh Chahal (Registrar), Prof. Harvinder Singh Saini (Dean, Student Welfare), Prof. Balbir Singh (NSS Coordinator), Prof. Balwinder Singh (President, GNDU Teachers’ Association), Mr. Hardeep Singh Nagra (President, Non-Teaching Association), and Mr. Manpreet Singh (President, Officers’ Association), besides other faculty including Dr. Harkirandeep Kaur, Dr. Aditya Parihar, staff, and volunteers.
Concluding the event, Prof. Balwinder Singh proposed the vote of thanks, expressing special gratitude to Prof. Karamjeet Singh for his exemplary leadership and inspiration. The programme ended on a note of collective determination to collaborate for the sustainable and all-round development of Gaggar village.