The Hindu : National : Grand plans for Panjab University diamond jubilee celebrations

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 31, 2006
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Grand plans for Panjab University diamond jubilee celebrations

Rajesh Ahuja

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh likely to inaugurate the event

CHANDIGARH: The stage is set for diamond jubilee celebrations of the prestigious Panjab University here in the New Year and efforts are on to get one of its illustrious alumni — Prime Minister Manmohan Singh — to inaugurate the event.

In an exclusive interview, Vice-Chancellor R.C. Sobti said his agenda for 2007 includes not only the diamond jubilee celebrations but also consolidation of all resources available in the University and moving forward for excellence in all spheres — academic, sports, youth activities — by integrating the facilities and available infrastructure and also creating an ambient environment. Stating that the University had drafted a vision document with short, medium and long term action plans, Dr. Sobti was optimistic that the institution would emerge as a premier educational institution engaged in quality teaching, research, consultancy and developing intellectual capital for societal needs and nation building.

"The focus is on quality education at affordable prices; attracting and retaining highly-talented and innovative minds, undertaking basic and fundamental research, patenting of research and promoting students and faculty-friendly governance," he said, hoping that the University would become an educational hub at a global level too. Interaction is on with international institutes through exchange programmes and inter-disciplinary approach.

Dr. Sobti, who took over as V.C. in July this year, said the University had a very talented faculty whose contributions had been recognised by various agencies. "Our publications are very well cited and we are excelling in all spheres. Recently we won the Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Trophy in sports," he said.

Dr. Sobti, a noted biotechnologist, said he had been able to carry along the faculty and the work culture was "developing". The campus was getting cleaner as smoking and use of paper napkins had been banned.

It was a positive indication that the students were becoming more disciplined and rules were not being violated to accommodate them. "Examination reforms are on and results are being declared on time. Computerisation is under way. Another major achievement is the setting up of the Students' Grievances Removal Cell for solving the problems of students within 24 hours," he said.

Dr. Sobti said the finances were "not too bad". The Punjab Government had been approached for releasing the arrears of maintenance grants of Rs.23 crore as well as 40 per cent grant-in-aid. "The University Grants Commission and other agencies had been approached for more funds. The emphasis was on research-oriented teaching. In fact, a Dean of Research is being appointed to facilitate teachers who normally do not apply for grants for research." He disclosed that NRIs were being approached to start a medical college-cum-research institute on the campus to complement the newly established dental college.

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