Chandigarh, Feb. 28 -- Panjab University on Friday honoured 370 meritorious students with scholarships for the academic sessions 2021-22 and 2022-23 under the alumni house and scholarship fund. The chief guest, Preeti Sudan, a 1981-82 alumna of the university and former chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission, urged students to be fearless and value driven in their pursuit of excellence. Calling her return to campus an emotional moment, she said the PU anthem still gives her goosebumps and credited the university for shaping her ability to distinguish "right from wrong" and instilling the resilience needed to take on challenging assignments. Drawing from her experience in public policy, Sudan spoke about initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Ayushman Bharat, as well as India's response during the first wave of Covid-19. She emphasised collaboration, political will and community consultation in governance. Sharing an anecdote from district-level administration, she highlighted how consulting women led to different development priorities, underscoring the need to include women in decision-making. "If one person is not safe, we are all not safe. Social equity and gender justice are non-negotiable," she said. The event also acknowledged the contribution of alumni donors whose endowments fund the scholarships and stipends. Of the 370 awardees, 192 students were from the 2021-22 session and 178 from 2022-23, representing university departments and affiliated colleges. Additionally, 13 students received stipends supported by contributions from the Panjab University alumni association. The guest of honour, Vinod K. Paul, member (health) at the NITI Aayog, was present at the function. Describing the initiative as a reflection of the enduring bond between the university and its alumni, organisers said the scholarships aim to ease financial burdens and encourage students to pursue higher academic and competitive goals. The ceremony concluded with the formal distribution of awards amid applause from proud parents and faculty members....