GNDU to confer D.Litt, D.Sc degree to eminent bollywood, medical personalities at its 49th annual convocation
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 4,2024
The 49th Annual Convocation of Guru Nanak Dev University is scheduled to be held at the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre of the University on April 06, 2024. Governor of Punjab and Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Banwarilal Purohit, will deliver the convocation address. During the ceremony, meritorious students will be felicitated with medals and degrees.
Esteemed Bollywood personality, Gulzar (Sampooran Singh Kalra), renowned for his contributions as a lyricist, poet, author, screenwriter, film director, and producer, will be conferred with an Honoris Causa Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Literature in the faculty of Languages. Further, Prof. Yogesh K. Chawla, former Director & Emeritus Professor, and former Professor & Head of the Department of Hepatology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, will be bestowed with an Honoris Causa Doctorate Degree of Science in the faculty of Medical Sciences.
Gulzar, originally known as Sampooran Singh Kalra, stands as an eminent figure in the realm of Indian Urdu poetry, lyricism, literature, and cinema. Born on August 18, 1934, his illustrious career spans across various domains, making him a versatile and celebrated personality in Indian cultural landscape. Mr. Gulzar commenced his journey in the world of cinema as a lyricist with the 1963 released film Bandini. Over the years he has enriched Hindi cinema with his poignant lyrics and soul-stirring compositions. Notably, he also ventured into film direction, helming projects like Aandhi, Mausam, and the TV series Mirza Ghalib, showcasing his multifaceted talent.
Gulzar’s contributions to cinema have been duly recognized with numerous awards, including 5 Indian National Film Awards, 22 Filmfare Awards, one Academy Award, and one Grammy Award. His literary prowess has been acknowledged with prestigious accolades such as the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002, the Padma Bhushan in 2004, and the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, affirming his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema and literature.
Beyond his cinematic endeavours, Gulzar’s literary oeuvre transcends linguistic boundaries, as he predominantly writes in Urdu and Punjabi, alongside other languages. His poetry, characterized by the Triveni style of stanza, is immortalized in collections like Chand Pukhraaj Ka, Raat Pashminey Ki, and Pandrah Paanch Pachattar, resonating with readers across generations. Gulzar’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange extends beyond his cinematic achievements. He has actively engaged in initiatives promoting peace and education, notably contributing to the Aman ki Asha peace campaign and associated with NGOs like Aarushi and Eklavya Foundation, emphasizing the transformative power of education and social harmony. In the academic realm, Mr.Gulzar assumed the prestigious role of Chancellor of the Assam University in April 2013, further underscoring his dedication to academic and intellectual pursuits.
The university have decided to confer the Degree of Doctor of Science (honoriscausa) upon Prof.Yogesh K. Chawla, an eminent figure in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology, having an illustrious career spanning over four decades. Holding esteemed qualifications including an M.B.B.S., M.D., and D.M. in Gastroenterology from AIIMS, and being a Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (FAMS), Prof.Chawla has carved a permanent mark on the medical landscape of India.
Prof. Yogesh K. Chawla’s outstanding contributions have been recognized through prestigious accolades such as the Padma Shri and the BC Roy Award. His extensive experience encompasses various leadership roles, notably as the Former Director of PGIMER, Chandigarh. Prior to this, he held the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Hepatology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, and has been associated with the institution in various capacities since 1983.
In his current capacity as the Chairman Academics and Professor Emeritus at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneshwar, Prof.Chawla continues to contribute significantly to medical education and research. His academic endeavours extend beyond KIMS, as evidenced by his membership in esteemed academic bodies such as the Institute Body of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, and his chairmanship of the Academic Committee at JIPMER, Pondicherry.
Prof. Chawla’s scholarly pursuits are reflected in his extensive publication record, comprising 475 papers in national and international journals and over 16,000 citations. Under his stewardship, PGIMER has witnessed remarkable advancements in patient comfort, treatment modalities, and infrastructure enhancements. These include the introduction of online registration and receipt of reports, the establishment of triage areas in emergency departments, and the implementation of infection control practices. Prof.Chawla’s tenure also witnessed significant strides in the field of organ transplantation, with PGIMER emerging as a pioneer in solid organ transplantations and designated as a Regional Organ and Tissue Organ Transplant Organization (ROTTO) Centre by the Government of India. Furthermore, Prof.Chawla introduced the first DM Hepatology programme in the country and played a pivotal role in establishing centres of excellence in various domains of medical research. Prof.Chawla’s influence extends beyond national borders, as evidenced by his memberships in prestigious scientific societies and editorial boards of renowned journals.
Prof.Chawla’s pioneering work, multifaceted involvement in academic, research, and administrative domains of science and research are worthy of recognition. This award will celebrate both the phenomenon and the person Prof.Chawla is.
