Panjab University Student Centre — the powerhouse on campus

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, September 1

Student Centre building, commonly referred to as the StuC, has seen the rise and fall of many student leaders over the years. While the parties, presidents and other office-bearers of the Panjab University Campus Student Council come and go, the ramp on the first floor of the building, from where the election results are announced, has remained the same.

The building has always been considered synonymous with power on the campus. As far as an old student can recall, the results of student council polls have always been announced from the ramp on the first floor of the building since the office of Dean, Student Welfare, is just behind it. Gradually, the announcements of candidates for council posts and now, even party posts, are made from here.

“The building is a landmark and has always made an impact on the mind of every student entering the university campus. We used to wait with our chin and faces up towards the first floor for the announcement of the council poll results. After victory, our faces would again turn up for pictures. Media photographers would click our pictures from there,” said Congress leader Brinder Dhillon, who has been a student leader on the campus.

Kuljit Nagra, former PUCSC president and former MLA, said the building had always been the epicentre of power for the DSW office and the student council office, both housed in it. “It will always be the heart of the Panjab University campus. To us, the ramp was a platform for the walk to glory. I believe no other educational institution has such a beautifully made structure, which is the central point of the campus and also a powerhouse,” said Nagra.

The student leaders on the campus believe that the ramp is their first big platform before they venture out in the mainstream politics. “Hundreds of students look at you when you make an announcement from the ramp of the Panjab University Student Centre. Some might be your supporters while others are students who may not know you. It is an opportunity to address everyone and make a mark in their hearts,” said a university campus student leader.

On September 5, another president, vice-president, secretary and joint secretary of the council would be announced from the ramp and hopefully, the next year and years to come.