UGC-MMTTC, Punjabi University concludes refresher course on “Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies”
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ December 15,2025
Under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, the UGC–Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), Punjabi University, Patiala, successfully concluded its 12-day Refresher Course on Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies.
The Refresher Course on “Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies” was thoughtfully designed to strengthen participant’s understanding of contemporary trends in literary studies, linguistic inquiry, and cultural discourse in a rapidly transforming global and digital environment. Throughout the programme, participants engaged with critical perspectives on language pedagogy, literary theory, comparative literature, and Multidisciplinary cultural studies. The course emphasized the evolving role of languages and literature in shaping cultural identities, social narratives, and intellectual traditions, while also highlighting innovative pedagogical practices, research methodologies, and the integration of digital humanities in teaching and scholarship. The programme successfully empowered faculty members to adopt inclusive, reflective, and research-oriented approaches within their academic and professional practices.
During the valedictory session of the Refresher Course, Prof. (Dr.) Raman Maini, Director, MMTTC, and Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Punjabi University, Patiala, extended a warm and cordial welcome to the Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, the Guest of Honour, Dr. Gurupdesh Singh, Professor (Retd.), Department of English, Guru Nank Dev University, Amritsar, the Course Coordinator, Dr. Pushpinder Joshi, Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit & Pali, Punjabi University, Patiala and Co-Coordinator, Dr. C. P. Kamboj, Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics and Punjabi Lexicography, Punjabi University, Patiala and all the participants of the programme.
Delivering the valedictory address, Prof. (Dr.) Raman Maini expressed his deep gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Singh, Vice Chancellor, stating that his inspiring leadership, academic vision, and continuous encouragement have been the driving force behind the sustained growth and diverse academic initiatives of the UGC–Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre. He also thanked the Vice Chancellor for his gracious presence, unwavering support, and guidance in promoting excellence in teacher training and professional development. Dr. Maini further conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Guest of Honour,Dr. Gurupdesh Singh, Professor (Retd.), Department of English, Guru Nank Dev University, Amritsar, for his progressive outlook, dynamic vision, and significant contributions to higher education. He acknowledged Dr.Gurupdesh Singh commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in fostering innovative and learner-centric academic ecosystems.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Singh, highlighted the crucial role of languages, literature, and cultural studies in nurturing critical thinking, ethical awareness, and social responsibility in higher education. He emphasized that in an era of rapid technological and cultural change, humanities disciplines must engage creatively with digital platforms while preserving humanistic values, cultural diversity, and intellectual integrity. He commended MMTTC for organizing a timely and intellectually enriching Refresher Course aligned with contemporary academic needs.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Gurupdesh Singh, observed that languages and literature serve as powerful instruments for understanding societal transformation, cultural plurality, and global interconnectedness. He stressed the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and innovative pedagogies in humanities education to address emerging academic and social challenges. Dr. Gurupdesh Singh appreciated MMTTC’s efforts in strengthening faculty competence through well-structured and forward-looking professional development programmes.
The Course Coordinator, Dr. Pushpinder Joshi, encouraged participants to integrate critical, comparative, and interdisciplinary perspectives in their teaching and research practices. He emphasized the relevance of cultural sensitivity, ethical scholarship, and reflective pedagogy in the study of languages and literature. He reflected on the academic vision and outcomes of the programme. He stated that the Refresher Course was successfully designed to provide a comprehensive academic platform for faculty members to deepen their understanding of linguistic structures, literary traditions, and cultural discourses. He further highlighted that the programme effectively enhanced participants analytical and interpretative abilities through sustained engagement with classical and contemporary literary theories, comparative literature, translation studies, cultural criticism, and Multidisciplinary approaches.
Course Co-Coordinator of Refresher Course Dr. C P Kamboj, Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics and Punjabi Lexicography, Punjabi University, Patiala, reflected on the academic journey and key outcomes of the programme. He highlighted that the course successfully provided a rich Multidisciplinary platform through interactive lectures, scholarly discussions, and reflective academic engagements, enabling participants to critically interpret literary texts, analyze cultural patterns, and understand the dynamic interrelationship between language, literature, and society. He emphasized that the programme has strengthened participants interpretative skills, cultural sensitivity, and scholarly competencies essential for effective teaching, research, and academic advancement in the humanities. Concluding the session, Dr. Kamboj expressed gratitude to the resource persons, organizers, and participants for their active involvement and proposed a formal vote of thanks.
During the closing ceremony, Prof. (Dr.) Raman Maini conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated support of the staff members—Dr. Mandeep Singh (Technical Officer-II), Dyal Dutt, Surinder Singh, Kanta Rani, Mahaveer Singh, and Surinder Kumar—acknowledging their exemplary organizational skills and invaluable contributions to the smooth and successful conduct of the Refresher Course.
The valedictory session concluded with positive and encouraging feedback from participants and a reaffirmation of MMTTC’s commitment to promoting quality professional development in Languages, Literature, and Cultural Studies.
