In a significant stride towards sustainability, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, welcomed five newly donated e-rickshaws under its ongoing ‘Clean and Green PAU Campus’ initiative. Donated by Vardhman Special Steels Pvt. Limited as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the e-rickshaws were ceremoniously flagged off in the presence of Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU; Mr. R.K. Rewari, Executive Director of Vardhman Special Steels; Vardhman officials and senior university officers. This addition brings the university’s fleet of e-rickshaws to eleven, enabling free and eco-friendly commutes across the sprawling campus.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rewari expressed pride in Vardhman’s collaboration with PAU, highlighting the alignment of their values with the university’s green vision. He remarked that supporting initiatives like the ‘Clean and Green PAU Campus Drive’ is a meaningful way to repay society and stand by institutions that have tirelessly served humanity. Mr. Rewari underscored the transformative potential of academia-industry collaboration, emphasizing that quality education, innovative technology, and sustainable solutions are achievable when corporate and educational sectors work in tandem.

Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, while acknowledging the donation as a symbol of corporate sensitivity towards environmental conservation, articulated the critical need for carbon-neutral alternatives. “The electric vehicle revolution is not a distant dream; it’s a necessity waiting to unfold. With limited fossil fuels and rising environmental degradation, electric vehicles offer a practical solution to reduce carbon footprints. Their silent, emission-free operation not only lowers environmental impact but also ensures cost-effective maintenance,” Dr. Gosal explained. The Vice-Chancellor also shed light on the symbiotic relationship between academia and industry, noting how universities provide innovative solutions while industries bring the resources and scale needed to implement them. This partnership, he suggested, could empower communities and drive tangible progress toward sustainability goals.

Highlighting the enduring significance of academia-industry partnerships, Dr. Rishi Pal Singh, PAU Registrar, observed that the alliance of educational institutions with socially responsible industries creates a robust framework for impactful societal transformation. These collaborations enable us to redefine education and create measurable improvements in community well-being, he stated.

Dr. R.I.S. Gill, Estate Officer of PAU, reflected on the deeper significance of Vardhman’s contributions. He noted that the donation of e-rickshaws was part of a larger commitment by the company, which also included the installation of mobile toilets, iron benches, and barricades, as well as the creation of a Miyawaki Forest on the campus. These efforts, he believed, symbolized the group’s resolute dedication to social responsibility.

The occasion resonated with a shared vision of sustainability and community development. PAU, often referred to as the “lungs of Ludhiana,” remains at the forefront of environmental stewardship, thanks to collaborations with conscientious organizations like Vardhman.

As PAU continues its journey towards a greener future, it welcomes more philanthropists and industrialists willing to contribute to the collective dream of a sustainable and vibrant world. With initiatives like these, PAU strengthens its reputation as not just an agricultural hub but a beacon of hope for ecological preservation and societal advancement.