 AGENCIES
CHANDIGARH, May 22: The Association of MCM DAV Alumni (AMDA) organised 'Rendezvous and Reminiscences'- the Annual Alumni Meet (2024-25) of Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh. Guided by AMDA's motto "To Care, To Share, To Sustain," this year's meet transcended a traditional reunion to become a heartfelt tribute to India's true heroes- members of the Armed Forces and civil services, who embody courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the nation.
The event was graced by an illustrious lineup of special guests, including Brig. Ashish Maini, Capt. Ruchi Sharma (Retd.), Col. SPS Garcha and Mrs. Manjeet Kaur Garcha, Mr. Vishal Batra- brother of the late Capt. Vikram Batra (Param Vir Chakra awardee), Prof. Parveen Sharda (Retd.), Department of English, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Dr. Radhika Nagrath, Journalist, and Dr. Sumita Bakshi, Associate Professor, DAV College, Chandigarh.
Capt. Ruchi Sharma praised AMDA's initiative, calling it a powerful expression of nationalism and collective gratitude. "Every soldier lives by three sacred words-Naam, Namak, and Nishaan," she said. "We, as citizens, must embrace these values too. The younger generation must show a united resolve to support and stand by our forces." A solemn homage was paid to two extraordinary women- Late Ms. Vandana Malik, IPS, and Late Flying Officer Harita Kaur Deol of the Indian Air Force, both of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Alumni from across India and overseas- including Mauritius and Canada- who were unable to attend in person, joined virtually through video messages. These included heartfelt tributes from Prof. Deepti Gupta (Department of English, Panjab University), Capt. Deepika Thapa (Retd.), Dilasha Anand (Indian Economic Service), and several others who reflected on their time at MCM and expressed gratitude to India's bravehearts. In alignment with the event's patriotic theme, a tree plantation drive and a digital signature campaign were organized to honour the defenders of the nation. Over 600 signatures were received in the six days leading up to the event. Car stickers bearing messages of gratitude were distributed to attendees, encouraging public display of appreciation for our military and civil service personnel. A total of 126 alumni registered for the meet, pledging their commitment to being responsible citizens in times of national uncertainty. The event was enriched by moving cultural performances. Soulful musical renditions by alumna Shreya Anand, alumna and faculty member Ms. Jaspreet Jassal, and student Vanshika stirred emotions and deepened the evening's nationalistic spirit. A video tribute by the NCC Army Wing cadets added a poignant layer of gratitude, while self-composed poems by students and alumni beautifully captured patriotic sentiments through the power of verse. |
