DW BUREAU / Chandigarh Prof Raj Kumar Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh, alongwith senior PU officials unfurled the national flag and extended heartiest felicitations to the PU family on the auspicious occasion of 74th Independence Day. Thereafter, the VC was given guard of honor by two contigents of PU Security. He lauded the contribution of PU faculty in their immense contribution during the challenging times of Covid-19 pandemic and by making all efforts in keeping all channels of communication open with the students. He said the university is very proud of its rich heritage and a situation like covid has not dampened the spirits. Together, all the challenges can be faced for taking the university to greater heights, he added. The PU VC appreciated and welcomed the launch of the New Education Policy which will definitely take us into a new world of education. He urged all to work towards formulating an aggressive strategy for a roadmap to a new vision. He further added that during the period of lockdown with the efforts of all, PU has approved more than 23 projects through various agencies worth Rs 1750 lakhs. Keeping in mind the situation, permission for online Vivas has also been given and till now, more than 90 online Vivas have been conducted. He further informed that due to covid-19 pandemic, PU has initiated providing online degrees through National Academic Depository. He informed that in the current year 143 PU faculty have been promoted under CAS program, around 600 non-teaching staff have been promoted and the benefit of Dearness Allowance has been extended to 333 daily wagers.Earlier Professor Karamjeet Singh, Registrar in his welcome address shared that the 74th Independence Day is being celebrated in a relatively low level in view of Covid 19 crises. He further stressed that all have to join hands in doing the rightful things since independence and responsibility go hand in hand. Prof Gurmeet Singh, Chairperson, Department of Hindi presented a vote of thanks for the event. Pankaj Mala, Department of Music anchored the programme. The Independence Day ceremony at PU was attended by around 60 people, including Prof R K Singla. (editor@dailyworld.in)