Chandigarh October 07, 2021

A Session on Fire Mock Drill Training and Safety Session elucidating how the fire extinguisher works was orchestrated at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hall, Boy’s Hostel No. 4, Panjab University. The aim of the practicum was to make residents, staff and mess and canteen workers aware about the emergency course of action to be implemented in case of fire.

Dean Student Welfare, Prof (Dr.) S.K. Tomar inaugurated the session as the Chief Guest. In his address, Prof. Tomar said that there are four elements that must be present for a fire to exist i.e. there must be oxygen to sustain combustion, heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature, fuel to support the combustion and a chemical reaction between the other three elements. Remove any one of the four elements to extinguish the fire as the concept of fire protection is based upon keeping these four elements separate.

Associate Dean Student Welfare, Prof (Dr.) Ashok Kumar was the Guest of Honour on the occasion. Prof. Ashok in his address said that the fire extinguishers are a great safety tool and getting training on the proper use and maintenance of this life saving tool is key.

The Fire Safety session was coordinated by Senior Assistant of the Hostel, Mr. Pardeep Kumar and conducted by Mr. Amit. The meticulous interactive session included a demonstration about operating fire extinguisher in case of fire emergency. The live demonstration session was created in a situation which replicates what would happen if a real fire were to occur by having a mock fire outside the hostel compound and the technique to use the fire extinguishers was practically done by the residents and staff of the Boy’s Hostel No. 4 in the presence of the hostel warden.

While addressing the gathering of residents and staff, Mr. Amit said that when it is time to use the extinguisher on a fire, just remember the catch word ‘PASS’. He elaborated the acronym ‘PASS’ as:

1.       Pull the pin.
2.       Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire from the recommended safe distance.
3.      Squeeze the operating lever to discharge the fire extinguishing agent.
4.      Starting at the recommended distance, Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the fire is out. Move forward or around the fire area as the fire diminishes. Watch the area in case of re-ignition.

Overwhelmed by the training and safety session, Security staff of the hostel Mr. Balkaran, Gardner Mr. Kusum, Cleaner Mr. Mani Ram stated that it’s a good idea to practice picking up, holding and using a fire extinguisher as one gets a practical experience of handling any untoward break-out of fire.

The demonstration was very much useful for the students to understand the working pattern of fire extinguishers. Residents, office staff, gardeners, security personnel and Mess & Canteen workers took active part and witnessed the safety measure wholeheartedly.

Chandigarh October 5, 2021

Professor Emeritus Jitendra Mohan, Department of Psychology, Panjab University, Chandigarh is the first Asian to receive the prestigious Honor Award of  ‘International Society of Sport Psychology’ for the year 2021 during the virtual 15^th World Congress of Sports Psychology held from September 30-October 04, 2021 at Taipei.

The ISSP is the oldest and largest global society of Sport Psychology, with thousands of members all over the world. This award is presented every four years in recognition of significant contributions to national and international sport psychology through leadership, research, and/or other professional service. Since its inception, this award has been bestowed to only 15 distinguished people.

Professor Mohan has served two terms as a member of Managing Council of ISSP from 1989-1993 and 1993-1997. Professor Mohan played a pivotal role in establishing Sports Psychology in India. He is the Founder President of Sports Psychology Association of India, founded in 1985 and has served two terms as its president.  He has been the president of International Society of Mental Training for Excellence (2011-2016), Indian Psychological Association (1997), President: Indian Academy of Applied Psychology (2005-2007), Member Board of Directors: International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP) (1996 – 2004 and 2006 – 2014) and Vice President: Asian South Pacific Association of Sports Psychology (ASPASP) (1990-1998).

Chandigarh:

With online being the new normal, the new academic session for first year of Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Panjab University, Chandigarh started with an induction program hosted by Dr. Tammanna R. Sahrawat, Chairperson of the Centre. She welcomed the fresher’s and other participants that included the final year batch and research scholars with a virtual tour of the Centre and introducing them to the faculty members. Dr. Veena Puri, faculty member and alumni in-charge, shared her insights on the scope of the subject and sharing experiences of Centre’s alumni. The Chief guest on this occasion was Prof. Amrik Singh Ahluwalia, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, and Former SVC, DSW, Dean Faculty of Science of Panjab University and one of the earliest Coordinators of the Centre. His radiant personality filled all the participants with positivity and excitement to start their new journey with zeal and dedication, mainly laying emphasis on teacher-student profound relationship.An interactive session with former student and present day Associate Director at Parexel International, Ms Samriti Guleria gave the participants insights on career opportunities they could explore in future. The induction programme enabled virtual meet and greet session of the seniors-juniors wherein the seniors warmly welcomed the freshers.