S. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, son of Guru Nanak Dev University’s first Vice-Chancellor S. Bishan Singh Samundri, visited Guru Nanak Dev University after becoming the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to specially revisit and refresh the memories of his childhood and student life.
First, he visited the Vice-Chancellor’s House where he had lived with his father S. Bishan Singh Samundri. Along with recalling memories of that time, he shared several incidents from the life he spent on the university campus. On this occasion, his wife Reenat Sandhu, former ambassador of India to the Netherlands and retired Indian diplomat was also present with him.
He expressed pride in his ancestral legacy. In keeping in view the needs of the present time, he appealed that Guru Nanak Dev University, which is now the number one university in the country, is giving special attention to skill-based education and technological awareness to prepare the younger generation for global opportunities.
On his arrival at the university, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Karamjeet Singh warmly welcomed him. Besides academic and other senior officials, his friends and acquaintances also warmly welcomed him on reaching the university, and they shared memories of their student life with one another.
Earlier, he paid obeisance at Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh and sought the blessings of the Guru. Dean Academic Affairs Prof. H.S. Saini formally welcomed him. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Karamjeet Singh welcomed S. Taranjit Singh as a cherished member of the Guru Nanak Dev University family.
He highlighted the emotional and historical connection through the legacy of his ancestors Prof. Bishan Singh Samundri and S. Teja Singh Samundri, whose sacrifices and contributions laid the foundation of the university’s excellence. In his address, Prof. Karamjeet Singh linked the university’s present achievements with the original vision of Prof. Bishan Singh Samundri.
He stated that in 1969, when Guru Nanak Dev University was established, he acquired land, mobilized resources, supervised construction and recruited capable teachers on the basis of merit, guided by the fundamental principle that education should serve society.
He added that the imprint of this vision is reflected in every department and tradition of the university, and the presence of S. Taranjit Singh Sandhu feels like the return of the university’s founding spirit. Prof. Karamjeet Singh expressed a deep sense of closeness with S. Taranjit Singh Sandhu and said that Guru Nanak Dev University is not merely an institution for him but a part of his family’s long legacy.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that Guru Nanak Dev University has consistently been a leader in the fields of higher education, research and social responsibility. He added that the university is encouraging new technology and research to enable students to face contemporary challenges.
On this occasion, S. Taranjit Singh Sandhu mentioned his deep connection with Amritsar and Guru Nanak Dev University and described the city as a center of historical and cultural significance. He said that it has played an important role in strengthening democratic traditions and social movements in the country.
Referring to the Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh movement, he said that this struggle was among the earliest successful examples of non-violent movements, demonstrating the power of collective courage and moral strength. Recalling the legacy of S. Teja Singh Samundri and Dr. Bishan Singh Samundri, he said that their foresight and commitment to society made a major contribution to strengthening education and social awareness in Punjab.
He said that when educational opportunities in this region were limited, visionary leadership laid strong academic foundations through institutions like Guru Nanak Dev University. He added that in the modern era the responsibility of universities cannot remain limited to merely awarding degrees, but it is also essential to connect students with skills and innovative technologies.
He said that new technological tools such as Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT are rapidly transforming the world of knowledge at the global level. On this occasion, apart from former Ambassador Sh. Navdeep Singh Suri, senior officials from various departments were also present. University Registrar Prof. Dr. K.S. Chahal specially thanked everyone.