AU VC urges alumni for more engagement

Prayagraj: An alumni meet- ‘Familiar Faces Fiesta'- was organised at Allahabad University on Saturday, bringing together hundreds of distinguished former students from across the country and abroad. The programme was inaugurated by vice-chancellor and chairperson of the Allahabad University Alumni Association (AUAA), Prof Sangita Srivastava, and others.The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Supreme Court Judges Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Vineet Saran, along with noted alumna Deepali Pant Joshi and several eminent alumni.Addressing the gathering, the VC described alumni as the ‘young companions of the past' and said the university family spreads across the globe like the deep roots of its iconic banyan tree emblem. She highlighted major academic and infrastructural developments undertaken in recent years, including the recruitment of nearly 400 teachers from 15 countries, implementation of the National Education Policy, introduction of over 190 skill-oriented courses, and construction of 15 new buildings, along with upgraded sports facilities. She also noted that the university secured NAAC A+ accreditation for the first time. Urging alumni to contribute through knowledge, resources and service, she appealed for continued engagement with the institution.Earlier, Prof Heramb Chaturvedi outlined the objectives of the alumni association and credited the vice-chancellor for strengthening alumni engagement. Secretary Prof Kumar Birendra said that within two years of its registration, the association successfully united alumni and facilitated resource support for the university.During the programme, a poetry collection by Prof Jaya Kapoor was released, and the results of the alumni garden competition were announced. The event was conducted by public relations officer Prof Jaya Kapoor, while vice-president Atul Singh proposed the vote of thanks.Vice-chancellor Prof Srivastava also inaugurated an art exhibition and food gallery at Nirala Art Gallery, where alumni explored student artworks and enjoyed traditional Indian cuisines at food stalls.The inaugural session featured a captivating Dastangoi presentation on the Rani of Jhansi by Pragya Sharma and Himanshu Bajpai, which received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience. Later in the night, a cultural evening featuring a Kavi Sammelan was scheduled at Bargad Lawn in the Senate Campus, with Padma Shri awardee Ashok Chakradhar, Sunil Jogi and renowned poet Wasim Barelvi set to grace the occasion.