Amritsar : Guru Nanak Dev University celebrated 53nd Foundation Day with great enthusiasm here today. Academicians, scholars, students and eminent personalities participated in these celebrations and had Guru KaLangar. Folklore exhibitions, Painting exhibitions and book exhibitions were organized in front of BhaiGurdas Library and in the Gallery-History & Dreams at the University campus.
Dr.Yogesh Kumar Chawla, Former Director, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh and Dr.Sarbjinder Singh, Dean Faculty of Humanities and Religious Studies and Chairman, SantPrem Singh Murale Wale Chair, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar delivered academic lectures in the Guru Granth Sahib Auditorium of the University. While welcoming the eminent scholars, Prof. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice Chancellor presented the report about the development of the University since its inception. Prof. Hardip Singh, Dean Academic Affairs presented vote of thanks. Prof. AnishDua, Dean Student’s Welfare conducted the proceedings. Prof. Sandhu also honoured guest speakers with mementos on behalf of the University. On this occasion Prof. Dr.Karanjit Singh Kahlonand a large number of dignitaries, employees and students were present.
Dr. Chawla in his academic lecture said that the philosophical aspects and teachings of Guru Nanak Devji could lead the welfare of whole humanity, to implement this in our day-to-day activities is the need of the present day. He said that the purpose of research is acquirement of new knowledge which benefits the mankind be discovering facts, new information, solving problem, development of intellect, breaking monopolies, give pleasure, kicks sparks in life and recognise leadership.
He said that there is huge scope of research that could be more focused by Guru Nanak Dev University to contribute for the welfare of the mankind. He said that research especially need based research should be the primary focus of all academics. To encourage more research the implementation of mandatory research work for all final year students should be done in various disciplines.
He said that today the biggest challenge that we are facing is to encourage low-cost quality research which could be beneficial for the society. We have limited facilities for product testing, validation & accreditation. He said that today we need promotion of global affordable need driven innovations to help develop low-cost medical devices for common men. He said that no doubt Guru Nanak Dev University is making its present felt by quality publications, participating in National & International meetings & filing of patents but further, more research based on the teachings of Guru Nanak DevJi is also needed.
He said that academicians and non-academicians should come forward with innovative ideas which could be beneficial for the mankind. Dr.Chawla also quoted some practical examples of innovative, low-cost research by young minds from various institutes of India like stool passing kits, standing wheel chairs, oral hygiene, using mobile phone for sugar & other tests and portable ultrasound device and paper test for pancreatic cancer etc.
Dr.Sarbjinder Singh said that Guru Nanak Devji is pioneer of patterns of interfaith dialogue. He was in continuous dialogue with people of other faiths. The Siddha Gosht is an example of such a dialogue that is enshrined in Shri Guru Granth Sahib. It gives, in-detail the interaction between Guru Nanak and Siddhas, in which the ascetics ask many questions pertaining to God, life, spirituality, salvation, renunciation, truth and meditation and Guru Nanak Devji patiently responds to the same.
He said that the teachings of Guru Nanak Devji are relevant to whole humanity irrespective of caste, creed and religion. He said that today the need of hour is to interpret knowledge in the right direction for the benefit of all. He said that our education institutes while following the path shown by Guru Nanak Devji should concentrate on wisdom, emotion and skills and show the right path to students to achieve their targets.
The speakers congratulated Vice-Chancellor for his dynamism and academic leadership. Academicians, scholars, students and eminent personalities of the city participated in these celebrations and had Guru KaLangar together with others arranged at the University Campus.
The day-long celebrations began with the Bhog Sri Akhand Path at the University Gurdwara Sahib followed by ShabadKirtan by BhaiJoga Singh, HazooriRagi, SriDarbar Sahib. In the evening, special KirtanDarbar at the University Gurdwara Sahib was organized followed by Langer. Deepmala was also organized on the prominent buildings of the University.
A Folklore exhibition was organized in which many colleges participated. Painting competitions was also organized as a part of these celebrations and the winners were honored. In Painting competition, Sumedha Jain, student of B.B.K DAV College, Amritsar stood first while Jaskaran Singh from Guru Nanak Dev University remained second and Preeti Gupta from HMV College Jalandhar bagged third position.
