Heritage chronicles: Calendar celebrating Punjab's legacy unveiled at PAU
Ludhiana, January 16, 2025:
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) witnessed a cultural celebration with the release of the 2025 pictorial calendar, “Heritage Monuments of Punjab – Landmarks of Historic Legacy”, curated by renowned nature artist and heritage promoter, Harpreet Sandhu, under the aegis of Sewa Sankalp Society. A documentary directed by Mr. Sandhu on the same subject was also streamed.
The PAU event attracted a distinguished audience, including Chief Guest PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, along with Ludhiana IG Police Dhanpreet Kaur (IPS), GLADA Chief Administrator Harpreet Singh (IAS), Principal Director of Income Tax (Investigation) Ashish Abrol (IRS), Officer Customs Commissionerate, Atul Tirkey (IRS), President Sewa Sankalp Society Sh. Parneet Sachdev (Ex. IRS), university officers, and other luminaries.
In his address, Dr. S.S. Gosal praised Mr. Sandhu for preserving Punjab’s architectural heritage through the calendar. He emphasized that showcasing Punjab’s illustrious heritage on platforms like PAU not only inspires reverence but also ensures the younger generation recognizes the value of their roots. Dr. Gosal expressed pride in the inclusion of PAU’s Museum of Social History of Rural Punjab in the calendar, reaffirming the university’s commitment to initiatives that instill historical pride and understanding. He described the Museum as a vital cultural resource, emphasizing the need to promote Punjab’s heritage on wider platforms.
Commending the artistic brilliance in capturing the spirit of Punjab’s heritage, Dhanpreet Kaur underlined the importance of intertwining academic learning with cultural appreciation. She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving the state’s monuments and enriching its tourism potential.
The critical role of such initiatives in fostering cultural awareness was highlighted by Harpreet Singh. He observed that such undertakings would instill a sense of pride among the people encouraging them to cherish the treasures of heritage. He appreciated the vibrant visuals and artistic depth of the calendar, noting how it bridges the gap between Punjab’s historic past and its present.
Ashish Abrol highlighted the calendar’s potential to inspire responsibility in preserving Punjab’s monumental treasures and viewed each image as a tribute to Punjab’s timeless beauty and a call to action for its preservation. Reflecting on its educational value, Atul Tirkey viewed the calendar as an ideal tool for young learners. Praising the university’s efforts, Mr. Parneet Sachdev likened the calendar to the soul of Punjab, seamlessly integrating heritage awareness with academic growth.
Harpreet Sandhu, the creative force behind the calendar, shared his motivation to showcase Punjab’s architectural marvels through art. He expressed gratitude to Sewa Sankalp Society and PAU for providing a platform to celebrate the state’s historical narrative.
The meticulously organized program was coordinated by Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institution Relations). The dignitaries were honoured with tokens of appreciation. The event concluded with the unanimous appreciation of the calendar as an artistic milestone promoting the rich cultural tapestry of Punjab.