Shoolini University celebrated Prerna Diwas, observed every year on the birthday of Chancellor Prof P K Khosla. This year marked his 85th birthday. The celebration brought together students, faculty, and staff in a spirit of gratitude and commitment to excellence and social responsibility.
The day began on a spiritual note with a havan at the University Temple. This was followed by a tree plantation drive at Vrindavan Garden, reflecting the University’s focus on environmental responsibility.
A major highlight of the celebrations was the inauguration of key facilities, including the Ratan Tata Gallery, the Tagore Seminar Hall, and the Pehal Foundation Kiosk. These additions represent the institution’s continuous emphasis on innovation, experiential learning, and community engagement.
Chancellor Prof P K Khosla, accompanied by Chairperson of the Foundation for Life Sciences and Business Management Saroj Khosla, inaugurated the Project Pragati Kiosk. The initiative, led by the Centre for Leadership Coaching in collaboration with the Shoolini Pehal Foundation, aims to empower rural women entrepreneurs from neighbouring villages. The kiosk provides them with a platform to market locally produced spices and other value-added products, enabling greater market access and sustainable income opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Pro-Chancellor Vishal Anand highlighted the power of optimism and positivity. He said that Prof P K Khosla has consistently shown that true success begins with positivity and inner contentment.
Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla said “Prof P K Khosla is a visionary mentor who inspires not just through his leadership, but through his example. He has a rare ability to bring people together and build strong relationships. For him, true success is not measured only by achievements, but by staying grounded in values like integrity and humility. These are the principles that continue to guide our University.”
Addressing the gathering, President, Innovation and Marketing, Prof Ashish Khosla, said that Prerna Diwas serves as a reminder that nothing is impossible. He emphasised that the Chancellor’s vision, resilience, and determination have played a defining role in transforming the University into a centre of excellence and continue to motivate the community to strive for higher goals.
At the inauguration of the Project Pragati Kiosk, Associate Director and Head of the Centre for Leadership Coaching, Payal Jindal Khanna, outlined the vision of the initiative. She said Project Pragati will empower rural women by enabling them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. She acknowledged the support of the School of Agriculture and the School of Bio-Engineering and Food Technology under Prof Somesh Sharma and Prof Dinesh Chatanta, and thanked Rahul Bahadur and the volunteers for their contribution.
Pro-Chancellor Vishal Anand further shared plans to expand the initiative to 100 villages in the next phase. The goal is to strengthen operational systems, enhance market linkages, and develop a sustainable model for rural enterprise development.
The celebrations also featured the traditional cricket match between Chancellor XI and Registrar XI at Yuvraj Stadium, with Chancellor XI securing victory. The day concluded with a vibrant cultural program at the Open Air Theatre, where students showcased their talents, followed by a traditional dham that brought the campus community together in a spirit of unity and celebration.