Inaugural Session of 5-Day Multidisciplinary Faculty Development Programme at Punjabi University, Patiala
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 22,2025
The School of Management Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, inaugurated its 5-Day Multidisciplinary Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Sustainable Skills, Strategies, and Solutions for India 2047” on April 21, 2025. The session brought together eminent thought leaders, academic scholars, and policy-makers who shared profound insights on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development as India moves toward its centenary of independence.
The session commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Ratinder Kaur, FDP Convenor while welcoming the dignitaries, resource persons, and participants, emphasized the significance of all coming together to explore sustainable strategies for India’s future.
Dr. Amar Inder Singh, Head, School of Management Studies and Programme Director, emphasized the critical need for multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing contemporary challenges. He underlined the role of academia in promoting innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, and appreciated the FDP’s role in fostering a shared platform for diverse ideas and skills for India 2047 vision.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board, delivered an impactful address on environmental governance and the importance of integrating ecological awareness into policymaking and pedagogy. Drawing on his dual experience as an academician and administrator, he highlighted the necessity of grounding theory in practice and reaffirmed the collective responsibility toward environmental stewardship.
International perspectives were brought in by Professor Aard Groen, Visiting Distinguished Professor at Thapar University and faculty at the University of Groningen, Netherlands. Speaking on entrepreneurship, innovation, and valorization, Professor Groen encouraged Indian institutions to adopt interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial frameworks to meet complex, future-ready goals. His global outlook underscored how localized innovations can lead to global transformation.
Dr. Himender Bharti, Guest of Honour, Professor and Former Head, Department of Zoology & Environmental Sciences, and Director, Environment Cell & Centre for Restoration of Ecosystem of Punjab, Punjabi University, Patiala, delivered a deeply insightful and thought-provoking address focusing on the critical interdependence between ecological restoration and the nation’s developmental trajectory. Drawing from decades of research and fieldwork, Dr. Bharti emphasized that environmental sustainability is not a peripheral concern but a foundational pillar for national progress. He elaborated on how unchecked ecological degradation—loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, and pollution—poses serious long-term risks to both the economy and societal well-being.
Renowned writer, translator, and nature enthusiast Professor Dr. Swaraj Raj, Distinguished Guest and former Dean, Faculty of Languages, SGGS World University, shared his reflections on the challenges and opportunities the future holds. He stressed the need for preparedness, adaptability, and poetic resilience to navigate a rapidly evolving world, urging educators to respond with both sensitivity and foresight.
Inaugural Session of 5-Day Multidisciplinary Faculty Development Programme at Punjabi University, Patiala. Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Dr. Dhiraj Sharma, FDP Coordinator, expressed sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests for their inspiring contributions. While thanking the fellow coordinators Dr. Parneet Kaur and Dr. Ella Mittal, he remarked, “This inaugural was not just an opening—it was an awakening.” Quoting a Hindi verse,
“Kaun kehta hai aasman mein suraakh nahi ho sakta,
Ek pathar to tabiyat se uchhaalo yaaro!”(Who says the sky can’t be pierced? Just throw a stone with passion, my friends!) emphasizing the spirit of determined action and innovation as India moves towards its centenary of independence. Indeed, with passion and purpose, even the impossible can be made possible.
