Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) warmly welcomed Dr Manjit Singh Chinnan, Star Donor and distinguished alumnus of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (COAET), who was the Chief Guest for Convocation. Dr Chinnan, Professor Emeritus, University of Georgia, USA, is a Gold Medalist of the first (Diamond Jubilee) batch of Agricultural Engineering, 1959.
He was accompanied by his wife, Dr (Ms) Lata Mahajan Chinnan, an alumna of the College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, and a former International Hockey Player.
During their visit, the Chinnan couple interacted with the faculty of their respective colleges. As part of Mrs Chinnan’s homecoming, the couple also visited the Department of Biochemistry, where she is an alumna. She interacted warmly with the faculty, sharing cherished memories of her student days. The department felicitated the couple to honour their achievements and continued association with PAU.
In her role as a sports enthusiast and former international athlete, Mrs Chinnan also met PAU sportspersons, especially the recipients of the prestigious Chinnan Award, motivating them to uphold excellence in sports and academics.
The couple called upon Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, to discuss initiatives under the Chinnan Endowment Fund, instituted through their generous philanthropic contribution. The discussion centred on strengthening academic, sports, and merit-based opportunities for PAU students.
Dr Vishal Bector, Professor & Associate Director (Institutional Relations), Office of the Vice-Chancellor, PAU, coordinated the visit and facilitated interactions with various departments.
Expressing their gratitude, Dr Manjit Singh Chinnan and Dr (Ms) Lata Mahajan Chinnan shared that they were deeply touched by the hospitality, warmth, and respect extended to them at their alma mater. Mrs Chinnan noted that the memories of her years at PAU “will be cherished for all times to come.”
Lauding their commitment, the Vice-Chancellor said,
“PAU is proud of alumni like Dr Manjit Singh Chinnan and Dr Lata Mahajan Chinnan, whose philanthropy and dedication to student development continue to inspire. The Chinnan Endowment Fund reflects their deep emotional bond with PAU and will play a transformative role in empowering future achievers.”
The Chinnan Foundation expressed heartfelt appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting PAU’s student advancement and institutional growth.