Chandigarh: Drawing parallels with top international universities, Panjab University student group SAAKHI submitted a representation to the vice-chancellor on Saturday demanding official recognition of the original Puadhi villages displaced during the establishment of the varsity campus and Chandigarh.The organisation urged the university administration to formally acknowledge the historical, linguistic, and cultural identity of the Puadh region, highlighting villages like Kanjimajra and Dhanas whose land was acquired for the campus.Citing global precedents from institutions such as Columbia University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, and the University of Sydney, SAAKHI outlined a three-point demand.First, it proposed that Panjab University publish an official acknowledgement statement on its website in Punjabi, Hindi, and English naming the original inhabitants and relevant villages. Second, the group urged the installation of a dedicated memorial plaque or monument on campus documenting the history of the displaced villages.Additionally, the student group called for a research-based map identifying the original Puadhi villages associated with different sectors of Chandigarh. It proposed preparing this map in collaboration with the university’s departments of history, geography, and Punjabi, to be displayed on campus and published online.Backed by historical documents and references highlighting the region’s distinct dialect and heritage, the group requested a meeting with administration officials to discuss implementing the proposals. The university’s response to the representation is awaited.
