Special Interview with Prof. Dr. Karamjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ July 21,2025
A lively and insightful conversation with News Portal www.royalpatiala.in , Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, opens up about the university’s bold new academic programs, global partnerships, and transformative initiatives for the future. With a vision to make Guru Nanak Dev University a global leader in education, Prof. Karamjeet Singh shares how the University is empowering students and driving societal impact. Here’s a Q & A that captures GNDU’s journey toward excellence under the leadership of Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor.
Q: You have been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the university established in the holy city of Amritsar in the name of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Prof. Karamjit Singh. Firstly, please share your vision regarding research and academics while expressing your feelings.
A: Being appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University is not just an administrative responsibility for me—it is an emotional homecoming. I am a proud alumnus of this great institution, and returning to lead my own alma mater fills me with a deep sense of humility, reverence, and gratitude. There is a different, indescribable kind of joy when you are given the opportunity to serve and uplift the very university that shaped your own academic and moral foundation. Every corridor, classroom, and courtyard here holds memories and meaning for me—and this connection makes my commitment to the university’s progress even more personal and purposeful.
Guru Nanak Dev University, located in the sacred city of Amritsar, carries a dual legacy: academic excellence and spiritual depth. The name of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji itself inspires us to pursue knowledge not just as a means to livelihood, but as a pathway to enlightenment, equity, and service. In today’s rapidly transforming world, I envision this university becoming a beacon of cutting-edge research, innovation, and inclusive education—anchored in Indian values and global aspirations.
My academic vision rests on five key pillars: research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation-driven curriculum, ethical grounding, and internationalization. We will nurture a vibrant ecosystem of scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are committed not only to discovery but to creating solutions for society’s most pressing challenges. We will strengthen our doctoral programs, incentivize high-impact publications, and foster partnerships with global institutions to place Guru Nanak Dev University at the heart of global academic discourse.
At the same time, I believe that research must remain rooted in the needs of our region. Punjab has enormous potential in sectors like agriculture, environment, health sciences, language and cultural studies, and technology. By focusing on region-specific, problemsolving research and encouraging students to innovate in these areas, we can truly serve the people of Punjab—and beyond. Ultimately, our goal is to cultivate intellectually empowered, morally upright, and socially responsible citizens. I believe that Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message of “Pawan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat” reminds us to harmonize scientific knowledge with environmental consciousness and ethical living. If we succeed in translating this vision into action, then Guru Nanak Dev University will not only remain a top-ranking institution but also a lighthouse of values-led transformation.
It is a sacred duty and a rare blessing to contribute back to the institution that gave me so much. I undertake this journey with a sense of mission, humility, and deep faith in the transformative power of education.
Q: Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Guru Nanak Dev University is rolling out some exciting new academic programs for 2025-26. Can you share what’s in store for students?
A: We’ve introduced programs that will prepare our students for a fast-evolving world! The Surjit Patar Centre for Ethical AI is launching a cutting-edge B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (4 years) and an M.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (2 years) to tap into the tech revolution. Beyond AI, Department of Architecture is offering a Bachelor of Design with streams in Interior Design, Product Design, and Animation & Graphic Design (4 years). For those passionate about the environment, we’ve introduced M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences (Five-Year Integrated Program) under the Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences. We’re also bringing specialized one-year courses, like a Post Graduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (PGGDAI) in the Department of Computer Science, a Post Graduate Diploma in Hindi Patrakarita, and certificates in Hindi Translation and Creative Writing under the Department of Hindi. For students eyeing data-driven careers, our University School of Financial Studies has launched M.Com. in Data Analytics, available as both a one-year and a Five-Year Integrated Program. And, to top it off, the Department of Mechanical Engineering is introducing a B.Tech in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Engineering (2 years).To make education more accessible, we’re offering 53 online certificate and diploma programs, and students can now pursue dual degrees by combining regular programs with these online certifications. It’s all about giving our students flexibility and skills for the future.
Q: Prof. Singh, what steps is the University taking to boost research and ensure inclusivity on campus?
A: Research and inclusivity are the backbone of our mission at the University. To fuel groundbreaking research, we’ve set up a research fund that provides 100 Ph.D. fellowships, each with a monthly stipend of Rs. 8,000, to support our scholars. We’re also making education more inclusive by reserving 5% seats in each category for students from border and rural areas, ensuring they get equal opportunities to shine. On the practical side, we’ve introduced a mandatory 2-credit Basic First Aid and Emergency Care Course for all students, run by the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. This equips them with life-saving skills. Plus, we’ve woven entrepreneurship into every degree program to spark creativity and help students build their own paths. These efforts are about nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and making a real difference in society.
Q: GNDU’s international collaborations are creating a buzz. Can you tell us more about these global ties?
A: We’re taking the University to the world stage! Recently, we signed a MoU with Samarkand State University in Uzbekistan for joint research and faculty-student exchange programs. It’s heartwarming that they’ll dedicate a week to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, reflecting our shared values. We’ve invited their Rector and senior officials to the University for the upcoming session, and our faculty will visit Samarkand in September 2025. My trip to the USA and Canada from May 24 to June 10, 2025, was very important. We’re establishing a Chair in Sikh Studies at GNDU, fully funded with over Rs. 3 crores by Jaspreet Singh, a distinguished attorney and immigration lawyer from the USA. He’s also pledged over Rs. 20 lakh in scholarships for 20 deserving students. I met with the officials of top institutions in British Columbia, including the University of British Columbia, University of Canada West, University of Fraser Valley, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. We reached agreements-in-principle for joint research, faculty and student exchanges, international seminars, collaborative projects, and twinning programs that let students study across borders. These partnerships are opening doors for our students and faculty to think and work globally.
Q: Prof. Karamjeet Singh, University’s research output is soaring. What’s driving this impressive growth?
A: Our research landscape is thriving! We’ve seen a 57% jump in our h-index, from 62 in 2017 to 157 in 2025, and a 46% rise in Scopus-indexed publications, from 5,218 to 11,331 to date. This growth comes from our relentless focus on quality research, backed by investments in cutting-edge facilities and our new Ph.D. fellowship program. Our international tie-ups are also a big factor, giving our researchers access to global networks and ideas. By empowering our faculty and students with the right tools and opportunities, we’ve built a dynamic research culture that’s making waves.
Q: How is the University upgrading its campus to enhance the student experience?
A: We’re transforming the University into a world-class campus! We’re setting up a Centralized Computer Centre with 1,000 computers to boost digital learning. We’re also revamping toilets and labs across all departments and hostels to ensure top-notch facilities. A new Centre for Entrepreneurship is in the works to fuel student innovation, and we’re expanding the Khalsa Heritage Centre to celebrate our cultural roots. For sports enthusiasts, we’re building an Indoor Badminton Hall, and for researchers, we’re investing Rs. 1.65 crore in basic and translational research in health sciences. The new Dashmesh Auditorium, costing Rs. 90 lakh, along with air-conditioned Senate Hall and Guru Nanak Bhawan, will elevate our academic and cultural events. These upgrades are all about creating a vibrant, modern space where students can thrive.
Q: Prof. Singh, GNDU students are shining in sports and placements. Can you share some proud moments?
A: Our students are truly making us proud! Sifat Kaur put GNDU and India on the global map by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 50m rifle event at the recent Shooting Championship in Munich. In placements, five students from our Electronics Department bagged prestigious jobs at Bharat Electricals Limited with a stellar Rs. 13 lakh annual package. These achievements show the strength of our academic programs and the incredible talent of our students.
Q: Mr. Vice Chancellor, how is GNDU giving back to society and promoting social responsibility?
A: Social responsibility is woven into GNDU’s DNA. We’ve partnered with Animal Welfare and Care Services (AWCS), a non-profit in India and Canada, to establish the Animal Welfare Society on campus, promoting compassion for animals. Our scholarship scheme for 100 Ph.D. scholars, offering Rs. 8,000 monthly, is nurturing the next generation of researchers who’ll drive societal progress. By supporting students from border and rural areas and embedding entrepreneurship in our curriculum, we’re fostering inclusive growth and empowering communities to dream big.
Q: What’s your grand vision for GNDU’s future?
A: My vision is to make GNDU a global powerhouse in education, research, and innovation while staying deeply rooted in our cultural and ethical values. We’re equipping our students with future-ready skills through innovative programs, global partnerships, and world-class infrastructure. By championing inclusivity, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, GNDU will continue to shape leaders who make a meaningful impact, not just in Punjab or India, but across the world.
This engaging interview with Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar paints a vivid picture of University’s ambitious journey to redefine higher education. From cutting-edge programs to global collaborations and a commitment to social good, GNDU is paving the way for a brighter future under his dynamic leadership.
