The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Physical Education and Sports and the Directorate of Sports, Pondicherry University. It featured the introduction of Dragonshot, a new game being introduced in India for the first time, and the Second Annual Sports Quiz.

Faculty members, non-teaching staff, students and spouses of University employees participated in the event. Prof. G. Vinoth Kumar and Mr. K. Thirumourougane spoke on the significance of National Sports Day and the Government of India’s initiatives to promote sports and physical education. Prof. M. Elayaraja encouraged the participants to engage regularly in physical activities and improve their physical literacy.

The participants were introduced to Dragonshot and had the opportunity to experience the game. More than 100 participants, including a large number of women, enthusiastically took part in the activity and enjoyed the simple and engaging game.

Professor P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University and the entire University community under his leadership conveyed the heartiest congratulations to Prof. Vempaty Kutumba Sastry on being conferred the prestigious Padma Shri Award for 2026 by the Government of India. This honor stands as a testament to his distinguished career and his tireless commitment to the advancement of Sanskrit language and literature.

It is pertinent to mention that Professor Kutumba Sastry is the first academician from Pondicherry University to get this highest national recognition of Padma Shri award from the Government of India. A stalwart in the field of Sanskrit studies, Prof. Sastry served as a Professor and Head of the Department of Sanskrit, School of Humanities at Pondicherry University from 1991 to 1999, laying a strong foundation for the Department of Sanskrit at Pondicherry University. His academic and  administrative vision later saw him serve as the Director and subsequently the first Vice-Chancellor of the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi, following its elevation to a Deemed-to-be-University.

His illustrious journey further includes leadership tenures as the Vice-Chancellor of Sampurnananda Sanskrit University, Varanasi and Somnath Sanskrit University. Currently, he continues his academic stewardship as the Chancellor of Sree Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya, Kanchipuram.

Pondicherry University celebrates with pride, his lifelong contributions to scholarship and the propagation of our classical heritage and we take great pride in this well-deserved national recognition of the scholarly academician who served as Professor at the prestigious Pondicherry University.

The Day Care Centre & Pre-Primary School organized its Annual Day cum Graduation Day celebrations in a jubilant manner on 08 May 2025 at J.N. Auditorium, Pondicherry University. Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr.Anwita Mudiraj, wife of Prof. P. Prakash Babu, was the Special Invitee. Prof. Clement Sagayaradja Lourdes, Director (C & CR), and Prof. Rajnesh Bhutani, Registrar (i/c), Pondicherry University, were the Guests of Honour.

Dr.Rekha R.V., Coordinator of the Day Care Centre & PUPPS, delivered the welcome address and presented the Annual Report. Graduating students of Senior Kindergarten were honoured with graduation medals in recognition of their achievements.

The event was further enlivened by a variety of cultural performances by the parents, children, and alumni of the Day Care Centre & Pre-Primary School, making it a memorable occasion for all.