Fourteen higher education institutions formulate ‘Research for Resurgent Punjab’

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Fourteen higher education institutions formulate ‘Research for Resurgent Punjab’

Bahadurjeet Singh/Rupnagar,December 8,2023

In a path-breaking initiative, in a meeting held in IIT Ropar under the umbrella of Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal (BSM) have united to pioneer the ‘Research for Resurgent Punjab’ (RRP).

This consortium aims to develop all-encompassing solutions addressing critical challenges faced by Punjab. Emphasizing scientific and technological research, social sciences, and human values, RRP is poised to become a transformative agent in the region’s progress.

The formulation of RRP marks a pivotal moment in Punjab’s trajectory towards holistic development and progress. By leveraging the expertise, facilities, and collaborative strength of these institutions, the RRP aims to pave the way for a positive transformation in the region.

Led by eminent figures in academia and education, including Prof Rajneesh Arora, Former VC of IKGPTU, Kapurthala, Prof Raghavendra P Tiwari, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Prof Rajiv Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, and Shankranand , National Organisational Secretary of Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal, the RRF pledges a holistic approach to research and development.

It is a first kind of collaboration in Punjab, led by eminent institutions and educationalists to work upon specifically on combating prevalent issues like drug abuse, migration, water, soil, and air pollution. RRP brings together academia’s finest minds and resources to tackle Punjab’s pressing challenges. With a multi-dimensional approach encompassing science, technology, social sciences, and human values, RRP aims to effectuate a comprehensive positive change for the well-being of the region and its people.

Fourteen higher education institutions formulate ‘Research for Resurgent Punjab’. Rajneesh Arora, Former Vice Chancellor, IKGPTU, Kapurthala said that Focusing on Universal Human Values (UHV) and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), emphasizing the urgent need for value-based education and its integration into engineering processes.

While addressing the members of the consortium, Raghvendra P Tiwari, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, said Skill Education: Promoting indigenous skill education, fostering a student-centric approach, and nurturing entrepreneurial skills among youth to transform them into job creators, aligning with the vision of making Bharat a global leader.

The RRP envisions an eco-friendly world-class approach to Science & Technology, as articulated by Prof Rajiv Ahuja of IIT Ropar. He mentioned that, all institutions would work together to eliminate the problems of Punjab.

Fourteen higher education institutions formulate 'Research for Resurgent Punjab'

Shankranand of Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal emphasized the significance of research activities, particularly in addressing Punjab’s critical issues and Bharat-specific challenges. He said, all support for training the researchers in context with IKS and Solution based research would be provided to all the institutions, Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal would render all support to make this consortium of 14 institutions.

RRP comprises a coalition of 14 educational institutions and universities, including IIT, Ropar, CU Punjab, NIT Jalandhar, Panjab University, NITTTR, SLIET Longwal, IKGPTU, Punjab Engineering College Chandigarh, IIM, Amritsar, GNA University, Punjabi University and others. Their collective efforts will focus on combating prevalent issues like drug abuse, migration, water, soil, and air pollution. IIT Ropar has agreed to spearhead research on science & technology whereas CU Punjab in social sciences and science.