Shoolini University celebrated its 16th Foundation Day with a day filled with energy, pride and reflection on its momentous journey. The campus buzzed with festivities, cultural performances and inaugural ceremonies marking the university’s continued growth and innovation.
Founder and Chancellor Prof PK Khosla addressed students, faculty and staff, urging them to “dream big and work passionately” to achieve their goals. “There will be challenges and difficulties, but with determination, everything is possible,” he said, encouraging everyone to stay focused and fearless in their pursuits.
Adding a literary touch to the occasion, Prof Khosla launched his new book Whispers with Blossoms: A Journey Through Nature’s Soul. The book captures rare Himalayan flowers through the lens of Swami Krishnananda Giri, a senior monk of the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, with contributions from Assistant Professor Radha (School of Biological and Environmental Sciences).
Chief Guest Prof RC Sobti, Padma Shri awardee and former Vice Chancellor of Panjab University and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, lauded Shoolini’s journey, describing it as “beautiful in many ways” for its achievements in research, innovation and sustainability. He applauded Prof Khosla for building an institution that balances science, service and environmental consciousness.
Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla congratulated the Shoolini community and encouraged students to “follow their passion, spread love and contribute positively to society”.
The celebration featured a vibrant cultural programme at the Open Air Theatre (OAT), where faculty, staff and students came together to showcase talent and cultural diversity.
The day also marked the inauguration of MS Swaminathan Hall by Trustee Satish Anand, and the IIT Ropar CPS Lab at the Yogananda Knowledge Centre (YKC) by Prof PK Khosla. The lab, co-powered by AWaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub) under the National Mission on ICPS, Department of Science and Technology, aims to promote translational research and technology transfer between institutions.
Representing the IIT Ropar AWaDH team were Radhika Trikha (CEO), Mukesh Kestwal (CTO), Vardhman Jain (Senior Associate Manager), and Desh Raj (Project Manager).
In his vote of thanks, Prof Ashish Khosla, Director Innovation and Marketing, expressed gratitude to all guests and faculty members. “There is nothing more powerful and joyful than knowledge. We thank our teachers, scientists and guests from IIT Ropar for joining us and look forward to achieving greater heights in the years ahead,” he said.
On this occasion, 19 Shoolini researchers recognised among the world’s top 2 per cent scientists in the Stanford University list were also honoured.
The celebrations concluded with a traditional ‘Dham’ at the Basketball Court, bringing together the Shoolini family in a spirit of joy and togetherness.
The 16th Foundation Day stood as a proud reflection of Shoolini University’s journey — one built on innovation, excellence and a shared vision to serve society through education and research.
October 16, 2025