Mother’s Day was celebrated with devotion and a unique spirit at Baba Aya Singh Riarki College, Tugalwala, often referred to as the 'Shanti Niketan of Punjab'.
On the occasion, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Prof. Karamjeet Singh, presided over the programme and distributed Fixed Deposits worth ₹4.5 lakh among 40 meritorious students.
Prominent personalities present on the occasion included college president S. Bakhtawar Singh, Principal Harinder Kaur Riarr, Advocate Parampal Singh Hundal and Parminder Singh, PA to the Vice-Chancellor. Speaking on the occasion, Principal Swaran Singh Virk said that a bright future for children is possible only when mothers are cultured, educated and guided by noble values.
He added that the institution regularly organizes such programmes and seminars to instill discipline, responsibility and social awareness among students. He further said that to encourage the spirit of savings, financial management and self-reliance among students, the college periodically awards Fixed Deposits to hardworking and disciplined students.
This year, FDs worth ₹4,50,000 were distributed among 40 “student-teachers”. Among them, five students received FDs of ₹30,000 each, five received ₹20,000 each, ten students received ₹10,000 each and twenty students were awarded ₹5,000 each.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh said he often visits universities and colleges to share experiences with students, teach them new ideas and motivate them to progress in life. However, his visit to Riarki College had been a unique experience.
“I have come here not to teach but to learn,” he remarked, appreciating the institution’s distinctive and inspiring work culture. He said education should not merely be about earning degrees but about cultivating values and character.
According to him, the college has successfully connected education with honesty, discipline and moral values. He also praised the institution’s initiatives such as a copying-free examination system, character-building activities, simplicity in conduct and adherence to cultural traditions.
The college’s organic lifestyle practices and close association with nature were also commendable, he added. The Vice-Chancellor expressed pride that the institution, which follows the philosophy of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji , is affiliated with Guru Nanak Dev University.
He also shared spiritual insights with students from the teachings of 'Japji Sahib', highlighting the values of patience, discipline and wisdom. During the first phase of the programme, students presented handmade cards to their mothers as a token of love and gratitude.
The cards reflected deep emotions of respect, affection and selfless devotion towards mothers. Later, during the seminar, students presented thought-provoking speeches, songs and poems on themes such as the role of mothers in society, mothers as the first teachers of children, the changing role of mothers in modern times, psychological understanding between mother and child, the impact of maternal values on a child’s future, and the spirit of sacrifice and dedication of mothers.
At the end of the event, the guests were honoured with Siropas, shawls and mementoes by Principal Swaran Singh Virk, Gagandeep Singh Virk, Manpreet Kaur Virk and members of the student committee. A langar prepared by the students themselves was also served on the occasion.