Vice-President of India and Ex-officio Chancellor of Punjab University, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, visited Punjab University, Chandigarh, and inaugurated two major initiatives aimed at strengthening the institution’s research, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The Vice-President inaugurated the Advanced Instrumentation Facility at the Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility/Central Instrumentation Laboratories (SAIF/CIL) and the Punjab University Tech Innovation Forum (PU-TIF). The two initiatives are expected to provide researchers, innovators and industry with enhanced access to advanced scientific infrastructure, incubation support and opportunities for technology development.
Advanced Instruments to Strengthen Research
During his address, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan highlighted the importance of modern scientific infrastructure in advancing high-quality research. The newly installed facility includes five sophisticated instruments — an Atomic Force Microscope, Raman Spectrometer, DNA Sequencer, Flow Cytometer and FTIR Spectrometer.
These instruments are expected to expand the university’s capabilities in several emerging and interdisciplinary areas, including nanotechnology, materials science, environmental research and genomics. By providing researchers with access to advanced analytical tools, the facility can support both fundamental research and applications with wider industrial and societal relevance.
The Vice-President described the inaugurations as important milestones in Punjab University’s continuing efforts to strengthen its research ecosystem and promote innovation-driven development.
PU-TIF to Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Another major highlight of the visit was the launch of the Punjab University Tech Innovation Forum, established as a Section 8 not-for-profit company following the transformation of Bio-NEST.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said the new institutional framework would help create stronger linkages between academic research, entrepreneurship and technology development. He emphasised that successful innovation requires close cooperation among universities, industries, incubators and investors.
The forum is expected to provide a platform for converting research ideas and technological innovations emerging from laboratories and classrooms into practical solutions, enterprises and employment opportunities.
Call to Young Researchers to Focus on Social Impact
Addressing students and researchers, the Vice-President encouraged them to pursue science with a clear sense of purpose. He urged young innovators to remain resilient in the face of setbacks and failures and focus on developing solutions that are inclusive, scalable and capable of addressing genuine societal challenges.
He stressed that scientific research should ultimately create meaningful benefits for society. Researchers and students, he said, should work in directions that ensure innovations reach people and contribute to national development.
The Vice-President also noted the transformation taking place in India’s higher education and research ecosystem under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said India is increasingly emerging as a destination for quality education, scientific research and innovation.
Campus Safety and Nasha Mukt Bharat
During his visit, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan also addressed concerns related to campus safety. Referring to the unfortunate death of a Ph.D. student, he said he had directed the university authorities to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the campus.
An internal committee has been constituted to examine existing infrastructure and submit a detailed report. The Vice-President emphasised that ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff must remain the university’s foremost priority.
He also called upon students to contribute to the vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat”, urging them to stay away from substance abuse and encourage their families and friends to do likewise.
Focus on Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat
Concluding his address, the Vice-President expressed confidence that the new scientific facilities and PU-TIF would further strengthen Punjab University’s contribution to research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He urged faculty members and students to ensure that ideas generated through academic research are translated into opportunities for young people and solutions for society. He also called for collective efforts to transform Punjab University into a world-class institution of higher education and research, contributing to the goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh U.T. Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Haryana Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Member of Parliament Shri Manish Tiwari, Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Professor Meenakshi Goyal and other dignitaries were present during the occasion.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
