Amid cricketing divide, PU looks to unite two ‘Punjabs’ with Lahore invite
Cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan may have faced yet another setback, with the BCCI declining to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, but Panjab University (PU) has taken it upon itself to to extend a warm gesture across the border.
The varsity is preparing to invite Punjab University, Lahore, to its flagship cultural fest, Jhankaar 2025, rekindling the shared heritage of the two Punjabs.
The official invitation from the varsity is expected to be sent to Lahore in a day or two, potentially setting the stage for a cultural celebration that transcends borders.
The initiative was proposed by the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) president Anurag Dalal, who submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) Renu Vig earlier this month.
A committee constituted by the V-C to assess the idea today strongly recommended extending the invitation, calling it a visionary step toward fostering cross-border cultural and academic ties.
The committee, which comprised of Dean of Student Welfare Amit Chauhan, Rattan Singh from UILS, Emanuel Nahar from CDOE, Yog Raj Anguish from Punjabi Department, PUCSC president Anurag Dalal and former PUCSC general secretary Karanbir Randhawa, has forwarded the recommendation to the V-C.
“The collaboration between PU Chandigarh and PU Lahore has the potential to become a historic symbol of unity,” Dalal said, adding that the event would celebrate shared traditions and create space for dialogue on topics like trade, partition, and linguistic heritage.
The programme outlines a series of activities, including multiple cultural performances, scholarly panels on the socio-economic impacts of partition, and a joint cultural night that promises to highlight the unity of traditions.
The ties between the two universities trace back to a shared origin. Panjab University was originally established in Lahore, but the Partition divided not only nations but also institutions. Now, PU Chandigarh’s attempt to reunite the two campuses for Jhankaar 2025 aims to build bridges.
