First time in history, Punjab’s distinguished university celebrated its foundation day without a vice chancellor
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ November 24,2024
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, established on November 24, 1969, commemorates the Quincentenary (500th year) of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the esteemed founder of Sikhism, celebrated today its 55th Foundation day.
For the first time in the 55 years history of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, it celebrated its foundation day without its head-vice chancellor.
The former vice chancellor of the Guru Nanak Dev University Dr Jaspal Singh’s extended term was ended on November 16, 2024 (Saturday) and he relinquished his charge on November 18,2024 (on Monday), on working day. Till then the university is without a regular or officiating vice chancellor.
Normally, the government gives the charge of VC to secretary, higher education in case any VC’s term expires. But, no notification is issued is this regard. For the first time in the history of GNDU-one of India’s premier higher education has any vice chancellor for the past one week.
Today, on an important day of the university, the staff, faculty, students felt dejected due to non appointment of any vice chancellor.
Despite that, the staff celebrated the 55th Foundation Day ofthe Guru Nanak Dev University as per the program, schedule. The main event featured academic lectures by three esteemed guests, Dr.Rajesh Gill,Dr.Ravinder Ravi and Dr.Amarjit Singh. The speakers highlighted Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings as a solution to the global problems faced by humanity.
Academicians, scholars, students and eminent personalities participated in these celebrations and had Guru Ka Langar. Folklore exhibitions, Painting exhibitions and book exhibitions were organized in front of Bhai Gurdas Library and in the Gallery-History & Dreams at the University campus.
Dr. (Mrs.) Rajesh Gill, Professor (Retd.) Department of Sociology, Panjab University, Chandigarh; Dr. Ravi Ravinder, Professor, Department of Punjabi & Dean, Culture Council, University of Delhi, Delhi and Dr. Amarjit Singh, Director, Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev University delivered academic lectures in the Guru Granth Sahib Auditorium of the University. While welcoming the eminent scholars, Prof. Palwinder Singh, Dean Academic Affairs presented the report about the development of the University since its inception. Prof. Shalini Behal, Professor Incharge (Examinations) presented vote of thanks. Prof. Dr. Karanjit Singh Kahlon conducted the proceedings. Prof. Palwinder Singh also honoured guest speakers with mementos on behalf of the University. On this occasion a large number of dignitaries, employees and students were present.
Dr. (Mrs.) Rajesh Gill in her academic lecture said “astonishingly, Guru Nanak was far ahead of us even in the 15th century, when he underlined the importance of equality, respect for women, meaninglessness of ritualism and superstitions. We, even in the 21st century, have not been able to get rid of casteism, gender inequality, corruption and ritualism.”
While we struggle today to preserve environment and nature, She said that, Guru Nanak has stated more than 500 years ago ‘Pawan guru pani pita, matadharatmahat’ Did we ever follow Baba Nanak and treat ‘pawan’ – ‘air’ as ‘guru’, ‘water’ as ‘father’, and ‘zameen’ as ‘mother’? The idea of ‘universal harmony’ is so well reflected through the words ‘Gagan main thaal ravi chand dipak bane taarka mandal janak moti..’. However, we have exploited nature to such an extent that many parts of the world are today gasping for clean water and air.
While talking about Punjabi Culture and Heritage: Past Heritage to Present Dr. Ravi said that Punjabi culture is rich due the legacy of teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji which are Love, Dialoge, Fearlessness, Liberal, Universal Brotherhood, Rejection of Caste System, Importance of Spiritual Growth, Hardwork, Honesty which are still relevant after 555 years.
Dr. Amarjit Singh eloquently underscored the timeless relevance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s sacred Bani, as enshrined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Sahib’s universal message celebrates the Oneness of the Creator, transcending artificial boundaries and inspiring us to embody the selfless principle of ‘sewa’ (service).
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, Kritika Rajput of BBKDAV College Amritsar stood first while Jaswant Singh of Sai College of Education, Jandiala secured second position and Rajpreet Kaur BBKDAV College Amritsar bagged third position. Amisha of the BBKDAV college got consolation prize.
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