The philanthropic couple and the alumni of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Dr Manjeet Singh Chinnan and his wife Dr (Mrs) Lata Mahajan Chinnan, who are on a week-long visit to the agri-varsity, recently held a motivational interaction with the hockey team of PAU. Dr Chinnan, a recipient of Gold Medal in agricultural engineering in 1969, is a Professor Emeritus, University of Georgia, USA, and his wife Dr (Mrs) Chinnan is a product of biochemistry, who equally excelled in sports at PAU and represented India’s first World Cup Women Hockey team. The couple has contributed enormously to the PAU Endowment Fund for the students’ welfare in terms of academic and sports excellence.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, hailed the large-heartedness and generosity of Chinnan Foundation for donating a huge sum for promoting sports and academics in the University. “This University has been credited for not only overwhelming food production but also for the production of great scientists and sportspersons, who have done marvels at the national and international level,” he added. “It is all the more heartening to see a great international hockey player Dr (Mrs) Chinnan and her husband contributing tremendously to the sports development of PAU, nurturing the mental and physical health of the youths, as well as acting as role models for the budding sports lovers,” observed Dr Gosal.
Dr (Mrs) Chinnan urged the youths to let their youthful spirits shine through unveiling of talent in various sports-related activities. “Never die” spirits should be the motto of your life, she said to the students, while calling upon them to be energetic, enthusiastic and full of life during performance of the tasks or other events, whichever they take-up.
While proposing a vote of thanks, Dr Nirmal Jaura, Director Students’ Welfare, said that sportspersons excelling in various sports events receive cash awards and scholarships from US-based Dr (Mrs) Chinnan, who has made substantial monetary contributions towards the future enhancement of the youths.
Dr (Mrs) Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director (Cultural Activities), proposed a vote of thanks.
Dr Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institutional Linkages), highlighted the significant achievements of Dr (Mrs) Chinnan in sports. The programme was coordinated by Dr Paramvir Singh.