‘Punjab Dialogues’ program organized by Punjabi University in collaboration with Sanjhi Sikhiya and Mantra Social Services
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ August 1,2023
Remembering the legendary, Sardar Udham Singh and drawing inspiration from his commitment to the land of Punjab, Punjabi University, Patiala, in collaboration with the Sanjhi Sikhiya Foundation and Mantra Social Services, held an enlightening and inspiring session – “Punjab Dialogues”, in the esteemed EMRC Auditorium, Punjabi University, Patiala.
The event witnessed the gracious presence of notable and prominent personalities- S.D. Shibulal (Co-founder, Ex-CEO & MD of Infosys), Kumari Shibulal (Founder of Advaith Foundation), and Dr. Arvind (VC, Punjabi University). Dr. Archana Mahajan, District Education Officer (DEO), Sandeep Nagar, DIET Principal, Dr. Ravinderpal Singh, Deputy District Education Officer (Secondary), and Dr. Gagan Thapa, Distinguished Professor from Punjabi University, Patiala, also attended the ceremony and participated in the ceremony. Additionally, Sanjhi Sikhiya team members, young leaders, teachers and community members attended the event.
The event was structured around the core idea of “Impact of Education Leadership for Improving Learning Outcomes”. A series of programs from tea-time conversation with the esteemed guests, panel discussion with the district education stakeholders and a fireside discussion were planned for the day. The young leaders showcased their transformational stories leaders from the ground through an impact exhibition gallery.
The event began with impactful stories of change from Sanjhi Sikhiya’s team members, inspiring the audience. Young leaders discussed challenges of working with parents in daily wage roles and the positive impact of Gram Sikhiya Sabhas and Cluster Academic meetings on schools and student outcomes. Program team members highlighted the emotional connection with Sanjhi Sikhiya and its role in driving social changes in Punjab’s educational ecosystem. The audience learned about Sanjhi Sikhiya’s 5-year journey and future aspirations, including the launch of the 5th Cohort and expansion to Bathinda district. A notable story from Patiala demonstrated collective problem-solving in a cluster meeting
During the event, a compelling panel discussion featured officials from the education department, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts from administration, Education institutes, education department, society, community, and governance structures for inclusive and value-oriented education. Panellists shared insights on strengths, challenges, and necessary changes for quality education, highlighting teachers’ competence as a major strength in Punjab’s educational ecosystem. The discussion also covered enhancing capacity building, retaining school dropouts, community engagement, and strengthening DIETS for system transformation.
‘Punjab Dialogues’ program organized by Punjabi University in collaboration with Sanjhi Sikhiya and Mantra Social Services. The event’s highlight was the Fireside Chat with esteemed keynote speakers, focusing on the theme “Importance of a strong Public Education System in Punjab.” The guests shared impactful anecdotes of systems change from their experiences and explored possibilities and challenges in radical collaborations. The role of youth in this transformative journey was also discussed. Dr. Arvind, the Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University, delivered closing remarks inspiring attendees to contribute to education leadership and learning outcomes.
