Sidhivinayak taimes Shimla। The 15th Panjab University Rose Festival opened today at the Prof R C Paul Rose Garden, attracting a large turnout of students, faculty, staff, and local residents. The three-day festival was inaugurated by Prof Yojna Rawat Dean of University Instruction, while Prof Y P Verma, Registrar, served as the Guest of Honour. On the opening day, nearly 500 participants showcased floral displays across 92 categories, with senior university officials and former administrators also present. The dignitaries toured the garden and viewed exhibitions organized by various campus bodies and partner organizations. Prof Rawat praised the efforts of the Horticulture Division for maintaining the garden and said the annual festival not only recognizes their work but also promotes environmental awareness. Er Anil Thakur, Executive Engineer-II and festival organizer, thanked the university leadership, Vice-Chancellor, and stakeholders for their support, emphasizing that the event brings together teaching and non-teaching staff, their families, and students with great enthusiasm.
Several stalls offering food items, books, handicrafts, and healthcare products were set up at the venue and received steady footfall. In the evening, the Department of Music hosted a cultural programme at the Old Convocation Ground. On February 7, competitions such as rangoli, painting, dance, slogan writing, and mehndi will be held, followed by a cultural programme organized by the Department of Youth Welfare. On February 8, events including Rose Prince and Rose Princess, fancy dress, dance, and collage making will take place, culminating in a fashion competition organized by UIFT and VD. Notable attendees included Prof Jagat Bhushan, Controller of Examinations; Prof Meenakshi Goyal, Director, Research and Development Cell; Prof Namita Gupta, Dean Student Welfare (W); Col G S Chadha (Retd), former Registrar; Prof Latika Sharma, Dean of Alumni Relations; Prof Krishan Kumar, Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor; Prof Ganga Ram Chaudhary, Director, RUSA; and Honey Thakur, President, PUNTEF.





















