Startups Are Key to India’s Rise as a Superpower: Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains at CU Scholars’ Summit 2025
2nd Edition of Chandigarh University 4-Day ‘Scholars’ Summit 2025’ Kicks Off, 3200 CUCET Toppers from 20 States & UTs to Be Felicitated
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains Lauds Chandigarh University for Annually Granting Scholarships Worth Rs 170 Crore
Chandigarh University’s Scholarships Not Financial Aid But Honor of Meritorious Students, says Rajya Sabha MP & CU Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu
CU Scholars’ Summit Opens with Star-Studded Sessions Features Bollywood Actor Gulshan Grover, Accenture India’s MD Puneet Ahluwalia & Yamaha Motor’s Lead in Emerging Tech Initiatives Manish Piplani
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 7, 2025: The second edition of Chandigarh University’s flagship event, CU Scholars’ Summit 2025, began today with a grand felicitation of top achievers of the Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test (CUCET 2025). Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains inaugurated the four-day summit, emphasizing the role of startups in shaping India’s future as a global superpower.
Inaugurating the summit as the Chief Guest, Harjot Singh Bains welcomed over 3200 meritorious students from 20 states and Union Territories, acknowledging their academic excellence and potential. “India’s true power lies in its young minds and entrepreneurial spirit,” he said, stressing that startups, not jobs alone, will propel India forward in the global arena.
“Considering our massive population and limited job availability, India must become a startup hub. Instead of letting foreign companies extract disproportionate value from our top talent, we must invest in innovation and indigenous ventures. One idea can transform a nation — as seen with Amazon, Flipkart, Meta, Ola,” Bains stated.
The minister praised Chandigarh University for awarding scholarships worth ₹170 crore annually, benefitting over 1.92 lakh students to date. “In just 13 years since its inception, CU has outshined many legacy institutions, ranking among the top 2% universities globally in the QS World University Rankings. This phenomenal progress is a testament to the leadership of Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu and the dedication of the university's faculty and staff,” he added.
Four-Day Event Featuring Industry Stalwarts and Celebrities
The summit, running from July 7 to 10, will feature prominent leaders from academia, industry, cinema, and public life. On the first day, top 15 scholarship holders from 10 student batches were felicitated in a vibrant ceremony attended by around 800 students.
A star-studded lineup marked the opening day, with interactive sessions led by Bollywood actor Gulshan Grover, Puneet Ahluwalia (Managing Director, Accenture India), and Manish Piplani (Lead, Emerging Tech & Innovation, Yamaha Motor India). These thought leaders shared insights on evolving career paths and the future of industry.
Scholarships as a Mark of Honor, Not Just Financial Aid
Speaking at the event, Rajya Sabha MP and Chancellor of Chandigarh University Satnam Singh Sandhu underlined that the university's scholarships go beyond financial support. “These scholarships are an honour bestowed on the hardworking, meritorious students. It reflects their dedication and the sacrifices made by their families. At CU, we invest in talent to build a self-reliant India and realize the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
Highlighting CU’s rapid ascent in global rankings, Sandhu noted, “Chandigarh University is the youngest private university to rank 575th globally, joining the elite top 2% in QS World Rankings. Today’s youth must make the most of such opportunities within India and contribute to national progress.”
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Campus Exploration & Industry Connect
One of the key attractions of the summit is a guided tour of Chandigarh University’s state-of-the-art campus, giving students a first-hand experience of cutting-edge laboratories, world-class facilities, and modern learning environments.
The CU Scholars’ Summit 2025 aims to inspire and empower high-achieving students to become catalysts of change in a rapidly transforming global landscape. The summit continues over the next three days with more sessions, workshops, and expert interactions.