Speaking on the occasion, Charanjit Kaur, president of the Non-Teaching Employees Union, welcomed the vice-chancellor and said that there was a need to refurbish the damaged image of the university.

PUTA president, S.S. Khaira, also welcomed the vice-chancellor and discussed at length, the problems being faced by the university teachers and employees. Former PUTA president, Kehar Singh, thanked the vice-chancellor for "an open-hearted dialogue" and assured him of full cooperation of the employees for the overall progress of the university.

Earlier, while addressing the faculty members at the Arts Auditorium, the vice-chancellor said efforts would be made to bring about "excellence" in the working of the university. He opined that facing problems is a way of life and life without problems is like "still water." He applauded the role of intellectuals and Sikh scholars all over the world in the tercentenary celebrations.

Ram Murti Goel, prov-Vice-Chancellor welcomed Ahluwalia while B.S. Bhatia, Dean Academic Affairs, highlighted the various aspects of his personality.