Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
GNDU adopts flood-hit Gaggar village in Ajnala, launches winter relief drive
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), December 27, 2025:Demonstrating a strong commitment to social responsibility and community welfare, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has formally adopted Gaggar village in Ajnala tehsil, which was severely affected by recent floods, under its village adoption programme. On Friday, the university organised a comprehensive winter relief drive, distributing warm clothing and bedding to economically weaker and flood-affected families.
The initiative was carried out under the inspiring and compassionate leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, who personally interacted with villagers and led the relief distribution. The programme began with Prof. Balbir Singh, NSS Coordinator, welcoming the gathering and outlining the objectives of the village adoption initiative. He highlighted the role of the National Service Scheme in strengthening the bond between educational institutions and society while nurturing values of service and empathy among students.
Addressing the villagers, Prof. Karamjeet Singh extended greetings on the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and paid homage to the supreme sacrifice of the young Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji. When the village sarpanch and panchayat members raised concerns regarding the absence of a primary school and healthcare facilities — with only an anganwadi currently functioning — the Vice-Chancellor assured them of GNDU’s sincere efforts to facilitate primary education and basic healthcare services in the village. Invoking the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he reaffirmed the university’s dedication to holistic rural development.
In a gesture reflecting his hands-on and humane approach, Prof. Karamjeet Singh personally distributed blankets, sweaters and warm bedsheets to the needy families. Participants also recalled GNDU’s earlier community initiatives under his leadership, including a large-scale cleanliness drive in Amritsar, where NSS volunteers actively supported civic authorities in sanitation efforts.
The programme was conducted by Dr. Harkaran Kaur, NSS Programme Officer, with enthusiastic participation from NSS volunteers. Among those present were Prof. Palwinder Singh (Dean, Academic Affairs), Prof. Karamjeet Singh Chahal (Registrar), Prof. Harvinder Singh Saini (Dean, Student Welfare), Prof. Balbir Singh (NSS Coordinator), Prof. Balwinder Singh (President, GNDU Teachers’ Association), Mr. Hardeep Singh Nagra (President, Non-Teaching Association), Mr. Manpreet Singh (President, Officers’ Association), along with faculty members, staff and students.
Proposing the vote of thanks, Prof. Balwinder Singh expressed gratitude to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh for his visionary leadership and inspiration. The programme concluded with a collective resolve to work together for the sustainable and all-round development of Gaggar village.