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Punjabi scholars thwart UNESCO report on Punjabi

Patiala, Feb 28- Whims, fancies, dilemmas and controversies raised world over in the wake of UNESCO report about Punjabi language getting extinct in the next few years were vehemently thrashed and thwarted by the scholars and proponents of Punjabi, participating in the inaugural session of the two-day international conference on “Transnational Punjabi Literature and Culture: Challenges and Opportunities”. Prominent among those who made these terse observations included Dr Fakhar Zaman, Chairman, Pakistan Academy of Letters, Mr Gurumel Sidhu, President of the USA Chapter of the WPC, Dr S.P. Gautam, VC of MJP University, Barreilly, Dr S.S. Gill, VC of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Dr Jaspal Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University and Dr Sutinder Singh Noor, Vice-President of the Sahitya Academy. The conference is being organised by the Punjabi University’s World Punjabi Centre in collaboration of Sahitya Academy, New Delhi. Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh, Director of the WPC said that 25 of the 200 delegates from India and abroad, who are participating in the conference will present their papers during the conference.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Fakhar Zaman dubbed UNESCO report as a culmination of a conspiracy hatched by some vested interests. He advocated the cause of constituting a joint commission of Punjabi supporters, settled across the world to fight out threats causing panic among them. He appealed to the Diaspora to work for assimilation of ideas instead of creating islands of their own for the enrichment of Punjabi language. Supporting Fakhar Zaman’s idea, Dr Jaspal Singh said that instead of getting panicky about UNESCO report, we should gear ourselves up to wipe out such like propagandist strategies, based on hypotheses rather than scientific measurements. He reiterated his conviction of Punjabi University acting as a facilitator to any individual and organisational endeavour made in the direction of promoting Punjabi language and culture. He also released a set of books by Dr Harjit Singh Gill, a voluminous number edited by Mr Fakhar Zaman on Amrita Pritam, and books written by Mr Kirpal Singh Pannu, Mr C.P. Kamboj and Mr Avtar Dhanjal on use of computer technology for promotion of Punjabi language.

Professor of Genetics at California State University, Mr Gurumel Sidhu in his keynote address on “Transnational Punjabi Culture and Literature” highlighted various aspects related to the subject including cultural camouflage, cultural amalgamation, cultural transformation and cultural metamorphosis. The DNA impact on the Indian Diaspora has the capacity to mitigate the negative influence of the West even as religion and culture are not inherited; they are rather acquired from the physical and cultural environment, he said. Dr S.S. Gill hinted at the emergence of cultural symbiosis in the wake of mighty forces of globalization where languages and cultures will merge into a common entity. Prof S.P. Gautam was of the opinion that religious policies were more damaging than the issues related with linguistic differences. He urged the Punjabis on both sides of the border to help break the “Indo-Pak” Wall like the Berlin Wall.

Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh disclosed that prominent among those are participating in the conference include Mr J.S. Dhaliwal President of the Canada Chapters of the WPC, Anne Murphy from the University of British Columbia, Manmohan, First Secretary, Indian High Commission, Afghanistan, Patrick Frolicher from Germany, Minakshi Verma from France, Veena Verma, Darshan Dheer and Devinder Kaur from the UK, Amar Jyoti from Holland and Mr Kirpal Singh Pannu from. Dr Aamarjit Singh Grewal, Advisor, WPC, highlighted the achievements and programmes chalked out by the WPC to strengthen and expand the base of the WPC.

Punjabi will never vanish: Dr Jaspal Singh

Patiala, Feb 27- “The much-hyped UNESCO report that Punjabi figures among languages which are going to vanish in the near future is deemed to be false. This can’t simply happen till Punjabi University remains in existence with its sincere efforts directed towards promoting the Punjabi culture, of which Punjabi language constitutes a significant component. My confidence, he said, has been reinforced after seeing a bubbling sea of students taking part in the folk festival, which was organised by the University’s Department of Youth Welfare.” These remarks were made by Dr Jaspal Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, while presiding over the prize distribution function of the two-day Punjabi Folk Festival that concluded at the GTB Hall of the University today.

According to Dr Satish Verma, Director, Youth Welfare, a record number of over 1,200 boys and girls participated in various events of Punjabi folk art forms and folk games. Khalsa College, Patiala won the overall championship followed by Government Mohindra College, Patiala and University Campus, who shared the honours. The folk games trophy was bagged by Government College, Ropar, while State College of Education, Patiala clinched the folk games and folk art forms trophy. The Vice-Chancellor honoured the noted Punjabi artists Sarabjeet Cheema, Pammi Bai, Bhupinder Bubble, Gurmeet Bawa and Master Bhajan Singh.

The Reuslts: Jhumar: 1st Government Mohindra College Patiala, 2nd University Campus, Patiala; Innu 1st University Campus Patiala, 2nd Ripudaman College Nabha; Peehri Making: 1st State Education College Patiala, 2nd Akal Education College Samana; Tokri Making: 1st SGTB Anandpur Sahib, 2nd Government College Malerkotla: Chhikli Making: 1st Punjabi University Campus, 2nd Mohindra College Patiala; Rassa Making: 1st Saheed Udham Singh College Sunam, 2nd Desh Bhagat College Baradwal; Khido Making: 1st State Education College Patiala, 2nd Saheed Udham Singh College Sunam; Chhiku Making 1st GHG Hansali Sahib, 2nd State Education College Patiala; Miti de Khidone: 1st Mohindra College Patiala, 2nd ;Traditional Folk Songs: 1st Physical Education Patiala, 2nd Khalsa College Patiala; War Singing 1st Baba Zorawar Singh Baba Fateh Singh College Morinda, 2nd Government College Ropar;

Folk Games: Loon Miani: 1st Physical Education College Patiala, 2nd University Campus Patiala; Pithu: 1st SUS Education College Mehlan Chowk, 2nd PMN Colege Rajpura; Rassa Kasi: MM Modi Patiala, 2nd Tara Vivek College Gajan Majra.

Punjabi varsity to be nerve centre of Punjabi culture: VC

Patiala, Feb 26- A two-day Punjabi University Inter-Zonal Punjabi Folk Festival that got underway at three venues on the University campus was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh here today. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jaspal Singh said that the University was progressing towards achieving its objective of shaping it into a nerve centre of Punjabi culture. Following close on the heels of making audio-visual recording of Punjabi folk dances, we are planning to evolve a traditional village in an open space on the campus, he said. The festival is being organised by the Youth Welfare Department in which more than 1,000 students from different colleges, affiliated to the University are participating.

According to Dr Satish Kumar Verma, Director, Youth Welfare, more than 60 students participated in the traditional dress competition, while 20 teams participated in the kavishri competition. Six and four teams vied for the top honours in the sammi dance and malwai giddha competitions, respectively. Registrar, Dr S.S. Khehra and Dean, Academic Affairs, Dr M.S. Saini distributed the prizes among the winners in various events.

Following are the results of competitions held today:

Sammi: Punjabi University Campus 1, Govt. Girls College, Patiala2, Divya Shiksha Gurukul, Gholumajra 3; Traditional Dress: Desh Bhagat College, Bardhwal (Dhuri) 1, Akal Degree College, Mastuana 2, BSZFS Girls College, Morinda 3; Sevian Making : Govt Kirti College, Nial Patran 1, Jasdev Singh Sandhu College of Education, Kauli 2, Public College of Education, Samana 3; Karoshia Making : G.H. Girls College, Fallewal Khurd 1, State College of Education, Patiala 2, Milkha Singh College of Education, Bareta 3; Paranda Making: State College of Education, Patiala 1, Desh Bhagat College of Edu., Bardhwal 2, Sant Kabir College of Education, Kauli 3; Mehndi Designing:Govt Mohindra College, Patiala 1, Shivalik Inst. of Education, Mohali 2, Milkha Singh College of Education,Bareta 3; Wall Painting: Govt. Bikram College of Commerce,Patiala 1, S.D. college of Education, Barnala 2, Govt. College, Malerkotla 3; Gudian Patole: Punjabi University Campuus 1, State College of Education, Barnala 2; Pakhian : University Campus 1, State College, Patiala 2; Kavishri : Akal Degree College of Mastuana 1, Govt Mohindra College, Patiala 2, University Campus 3; Geete: Narinder Kaur, Govt. College, Ropar 1, Maninder Kaur, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib 2, Saroj Rani, SGTB Khalsa College, Anandpur Sahib 3; Rassi Tapna: Govt College, Ropar 1, Milkha Singh Insttitute, Bareta 2, Govt. Shivalik College, Naya Nangal 3;Satapu: Doaba College of Education, Ghatour 1, GND College of Education, Majatri 2, PMN College, Rajpura 3.

Seminar on "Writing Subaltern" begins today

Patiala, Feb 25- A two-day National Seminar on ‘Writing Subaltern: Across Histories, Cultures, Geogaphies’ organised by the Department of English, Punjabi University, Patiala started in the Senate Hall here today .

In his Key-note address, Dr. G.J.V. Prasad, Professor of English, J.N. University, New Delhi, suggested that we need to interrogate the idea of the subaltern and Dalits. He said that most of the scholars who talk about subalternity are located in the western academy and from their privileged positions they have only marketed the category of the subaltern and not given it a voice. In his presidential remarks, Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala suggested that Indian democracy can become inclusive only when the subaltern subjects will get a place of respect like the dominant classes.

Dr. Rupinder Kaur, Professor and Head, Dept. of English, Punjabi University, Patiala introduced the theme of the Seminar. She said that the term “Subaltern” has been interpreted differently by many scholars and theoreticians such as Gramsci, Bhabha, Spinak and others. She welcomed the guests in her address.

The first technical session was chaired by Dr. M.L. Raina, former Professor and Head, Department of English, Panjab University, Chandigarh during which Dr. Charu Sharma, Dr. Sangeeta Handa and Dr. Debarata read out their papers on Dalit writings. The second technical session was chaired by Dr. Manjit Inder Singh, Professor, Department of English, Punjabi University, Patiala in which Dr. Rajinder Pal Singh Brar, Ms. Shikha, Ms. Gitanjali and Ms. Alpana Saini presented papers. The seminar was attended by Dr. S.P. Ranchan, former Professor and Head, Dept. of English, H.P. University, Shimla, Dr. Gurbhagat Singh, and Dr. Ranjit Kaur Kapoor, former Professors of English, at Punjabi University, Professor Deepak Manmohan and Professor Satinder Singh Noor.

International Seminar on "Transnational Punjabi Literature and Culture" at PU

Patiala, Feb 24- The World Punjabi Centre, Punjabi university, Patiala, in collaboration with Sahitya Academy, New Delhi, is organising a two-day international seminar on “Transnational Punjabi Literature and Culture: Challenges and Opportunities” on the University campus from February 28 to March 1.

Giving this information, Director of the WPC, Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh said that the seminar will be inaugurated by Mr Manpreet singh Badal, Finance and Planning Minister, Punjab, and will be presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh. Prominent among those who are participating in the seminar include, Mr Fakhar Zaman, Chairman, Pakistan Academy of Letters, Mr J.S. Dhaliwal, and Mr Gurumel, Presidents of the Canada and the USA Chapters of the WPC, respectively, Anne Murphy from the University of British Columbia, Canada, Manmohan, First Secretary, Indian High Commission, Afghanistan, Patrick Frolicher from Germany, Minakshi Verma from France, Veena Verma, Darshan Dheer and Devinder Kaur from the UK, Amar Jyoti from Holland, Kirpal Singh Pannu from Canada and Dr Sawraj Singh from the USA.

Dr A.S. Brar, VC of GNDU, Amritsar, Dr S.P. Gautam, VC, MJP University, Barreilly, Dr S.S. Gill, VC, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences and noted littérateurs from Pakistan, Qurat-ul-ain, Nusrat Batool and Sarwat Mohiudin will be the guests of honour during different sessions of the seminar. About 25 scholars from India and abroad will present their papers during different sessions of the seminar, Dr Singh added.

Punjabi folk festival at PU

Patiala, Feb 24- Punjabi University’s department of Youth Welfare is organising a two-day Inter-Zonal Punjabi Folk Festival on February 26 and 27 on the University Campus. According Dr Satish Verma, DYW, the festival will comprise competition in different Punjabi folk art forms and folk games for boys and girls and will be inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh.

Pbi varsity to have Cyber Crime Lab

Patiala, Feb 22- Justice R.S. Sodhi, a former judge of Delhi High Court , while inaugurating a three-day International Symposium on “Emerging Trends in Forensic Science” on the Punjabi University campus here today, called upon the Indian Forensic Scientists to develop and use advanced techniques for bringing out the truth behind criminal acts. The symposium is being organised by the University’s Department of Forensic Science.

While reiterating the fact that societal commitment was more important than individual privileges, he admitted that information extracted by using scientific forensic tests is not being treated as primary or material evidence. Efforts therefore are needed to enhance the validity of theses tests in the courts of law. While rating forensic science as a ‘truth finding mission’, Justice Sodhi said that the forensic experts should also keep moral values foremost while helping the judiciary in identifying the real culprits perpetrating heinous crimes and those sponsoring, abetting and fomenting terrorism.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh in his presidential address, said that the cult of terrorism was related more to complex socio-economic reasons than fanaticism, with individual ambitions touching an all time high. Use of modern technological tools more efficiently by terrorists than the investigating agencies, coupled with slow pace of justice amounted to confounding the complexities of the situation, he said. Looking at the present crime scenario undergoing drastic changes, we at Punjabi University have developed first-of-its-kind- in- the- region a Cyber Crime Laboratory to help the investigating agencies in unearthing cyber-related crimes involving discs and devices. We will also start a PG Diploma in Computer Forensics to impart training to the police and other agencies involved in locating the truth.

In his keynote address on ‘DNA Profiling’, Dr V. K. Kashyap, Director, Planning in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, said that DNA tests have started finding validity as a testimony in courts the world over. Though the forensic tests such as brain mapping, NARCO analysis and fingerprint analysis were passing through evolutionary stages, he said that DNA profiling has helped a lot in solving a number of intricate cases, including those of Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky case, Rajiv Gandhi murder case, Shivani Bhatnagar- Manoj Mahajan and Chital Poaching case involving Bollywood actor Salman Khan. DNA fudgers, he said, can’t fool experts in the forensic science laboratories.

HoD of Forensic Science, Dr Mukesh Kumar welcomed the delegates and introduced the theme of the seminar in which more than 150 teachers and experts from India, the USA, Switzerland, Malaysia, Israel are participating.

Synergy between scientific discoveries and societal concerns must: VC

Patiala, Feb 19- “In this era of biotechnology and genetic engineering, there is an urgent need to forge synergy between the scientific discoveries, societal concerns, knowledge dissemination and futuristic expectations. Our scientific community has a greater responsibility to work for restoring and sustaining the ecological balance for the sustenance of a healthy society. And Botanists have a primary role to play to address to these issues of dwindling biodiversity, caused by the misuse and over-exploitation of natural resources.”

This was stated by Dr Jaspal Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, while inaugurating a two-day national on "Botanical Researches-Present Scenario", being organised by the Department of Botany, here today.

Dr Jaspal Singh further said that India is one of the mega diversity centers of the world, which harbours innumerable plant wealth with lot of opportunities for exploration and fruitful utilisation. We need to use the resources at hand in a professional manner for targeting hunger and poverty, keeping in mind the futuristic needs of the society and betterment of the mankind, he said.

In his keynote address, Dr Rakesh Tuli, Executive Director of National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, said that Biological sciences are experiencing a technology- led revolution. Several approaches and tools are becoming high throughput and rapidly advancing the frontiers of biology and translational opportunities. As a result of these technologies, supported by bioinformatics, a shift has happened in studying economically important organisms rather than model organisms, populations rather than individuals, and ecosystems rather than populations to achieve precision in designing improved crop plants, Dr Tuli said.

Prof S.K. Sharma, Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, PUSA, New Delhi said that Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) are a vital component of agro-biodiversity as the genetic material of plants having value as a resource for present and future generations of human being. A well-characterized and evaluated germplasm collection would have greater chances of contributing to the development of new varieties, resulting in realisation of greater derived benefits from it. DNA-based assays have revolutionised and modernised our ability to characterize genetic variation, Prof Sharma said.

According to HoD, Dr R.C. Gupta, the symposium will have four themes and 21 plenary lectures. Over 100 research papers will be presented on various areas including taxonomy, biosystematics, ecology and plant functions. Dean, Academic Affairs, Dr M.S. Saini, Dr N.S. Atri and Dr MIS Sagoo also spoke on the occasion.

Symposium on "Emerging Trends in Chemistry" begins

Patiala, Feb 15- “The discipline of Chemistry can a play a significant role in solving complex issues relating to the mankind like health care, food security, energy security, water security and internal security. The Green Revolution, which till now supports our 125 million of population was possible only due to applications of science of Chemistry, yielding a large variety of fertilizers and chemicals. And today, when the ill effects of these chemicals on humans, animals and environment have surfaced, scholars of chemistry are engaged in finding alternatives by resorting to organic farming and the Genetically Modified Foods (GMFs) taking into account its possible ill effects as well.”

This was stated by Dr Jaspal Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, while inaugurating a two-day National Symposium on “Emerging Trends in Chemistry”, being organised by the University’s Department of Chemistry, here today. Chemistry, he said, also plays an important role in the area of sports medicine where experts, inter alia, use a host of chemical compounds to help the athlete recover from sports injuries.

In his keynote address, Dr Nand Kishore, Chairman, Department of Chemistry at IIT, Mumbai, said that the physico-chemical basis of drug-protein interactions, as one of the applications of Chemistry, can play a dominant role in drug disposition and their efficacy. The effectiveness of drugs as pharmaceutical agents, he said, can influence the drug stability and toxicity during chemotherapeutic process. Prof. Baldev Singh, Head of the Department said that a total of 130 abstracts have been received for presentation during the symposium.

National symposium on “Emerging Trends in Chemistry”

Patiala, Feb 12- Punjabi University’s Department of Chemistry is organising a two-day national symposium on “Emerging Trends in Chemistry” from February 15 to 16 in the Science Auditorium. Prof Nand Kishore, Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry, IIT, Mumbai will deliver the keynote address while Dr Jaspal Singh, Vice-Chancellor will preside.

Psychofest concludes at Punjabi University

Patiala, Feb 11- Punjabi University’s Department of Psychology organised its annual event 'Psychofest' on the theme 'Towards Achievement and Success' with the objective of providing free psychological testing and counseling to students, faculty and staff of the University. Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jaspal Singh said that understanding of human psychology can help us in getting rid of many existential ailments and evils plaguing the society during the present tumultuous times. Its genuine applications can also help us in bettering the human and cosmic relationships and develop a positivistic approach towards life. He urged the department to move out to help those who were not aware of psychological measures which can be used to strike balance between the body and the mind. The testing and counseling facilities enable participants not only in gaining insight into their attitudes and behavioural patterns but also help them accomplish their cherished goals, he added.

According to the department head, Dr Gurminder Sokhey, six different cells were set up and standardised psychological tests were used to assess the resilience, motivation, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, personality, stress and anxiety of the participants. Three workshops namely 'Anger Management' by Dr. Sangeeta Trama, 'Enhancing Emotional Intelligence' by Dr. Harprit Kaur and 'Aiming and Achieving Success' by Dr. Mamta Sharma were conducted during the festival. The 'Anger Management' workshop emphasised on the need to develop skills to tackle symptoms such as the body signals, triggers feelings, thoughts and associated behaviour in anger provoking situations and devising an action plan for dealing with such situations more effectively. 'Enhancing Emotional Intelligence' workshop not only clarified the concept and its significance but also assessed the participants on their levels of EQ. In workshop on 'Aiming and Achieving Success' various activities were used to identify participants' attitude as well as their management skills and different techniques were applied to make them more aware of key factors to success.

To help participants deal with stress effectively, Dr. Nalini Malhotra gave demonstration of various kinds of biofeedback through the application of therapies including GSR, EEG, EMG, ECG, music therapy and electro sleep therapy to increase their voluntary control over physiological processes. The polygraph or lie detection session also demonstrated the pshyo-physiological detection of deception. Also, multi-behaviour therapies were utilised as per the needs of the counselees.

Dr. Sokhey said that the department would hold follow-up sessions for those students who participated in the event and wanted detailed psychological assessment and counseling sessions. A total of 800 participants were tested and provided with suitable counseling accordingly during the festival, she said.

Pbi varsity security staff does commendable job

Patiala, Feb 11- The security department of Punjabi University, Patiala, has done a commendable job by recovering the Hero Honda motorbike of Dr Gurmeet Singh Maan, Head Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and Director, CAMS. The vehicle was stolen from the parking lot outside Arts Block No. 1, following which Dr Maan lodged a complaint with the Security Officer, who pushed the security staff into quick action mode to recover his motorbike.

According to Col M.S. Sandhu and Capt Gurtej Singh, Security Officers of the University, the task of recovery could be performed successfully only because of the support and patronage of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh, who had sanctioned the installation of CCTV cameras at both the gates of the University and providing hi-fi walkie-talkies to the security staff. He has also ordered to intensify patrolling to ensure safety of vehicles and making security arrangements more effective on the Campus.

According to Capt Gurtej Singh, the Vice-Chancellor has also ordered not to allow cars with black films and those carrying unauthorised beacon lights atop the vehicles. Even two-wheeler drivers wearing any types of mask are not allowed to enter into the University premises. “We are religiously following the orders of the Vice-Chancellor,” Capt. Gurtej Singh said. We have recovered about 10 stolen vehicles from the campus during the recent past, he said.

PU students win laurels

Patiala, Feb 9- Students of B.Tech. (TV, Film Production & Media Technology), PG Diploma in Audio-Visual Production and Master of Journalism and Mass Communication of Punjabi University, Patiala, won laurels in the “Mediafest”, organized by the BBK DAV College, Amritsar. While Sunil Kataria was adjudged the “Best Interviewer”, Rupinder Gill won the first prize in the “Still Photography” event. Sunil also bagged second prize in “News Writing and Reading” event. While the team of Ramish Imdad and Sunil Kataria won third prize in the “Interview Seeking” category, the contingent of Navjot, Manvi Bhargav, Abhey and Bawinder Singh won consolation prize in the “Ad Mad” competition.

PU to introduce Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha meorial lectures

Patiala, Feb 10- Dr Jaspal Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala released a video compact disc (VCD) , “Vidya Vichari tan Parupkari”, at a function jointly organised by the World Punjabi Centre (WPC) and Gurmat Sangeet Department on the University campus here today. The VCD is prepared by the Delhi-based Staff Reporter of Ajit, Mr Gurmail Singh Bhatuan and his wife, Ravinder Kaur Ravi, a lecturer in the Music Department of Punjabi University, and is based on a lecture delivered by the renowned scholar, Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha at Khalsa College, Amritsar on April 4, 1931.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jaspal Singh said that the husband-wife duo of Bhatuan and Ravi have done a commendable job by way of unfolding a significant chapter from the Sikh history. While lamenting the fragmentation of intellectuality in the tradition of great writers, he said the University will institute memorial lectures on the contribution of Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha. Dr Amarjit Singh Grewal, Advisor, WPC, said such presentations can help give a positive direction to the negative mentalities of our youth and children, who tend to commit suicide at the slightest pretext instead of fighting it out. Noted Sikh scholar, Dr Balkar Singh, HoD of Gurmat Sangeet also spoke on the occasion.

PU students win laurels

"Psychofest" begins tomorrow

Patiala, Feb 9- Punjabi University’s Department of Psychology is organising “Psychofest”, an annual event of the Department on February 10 on the theme, “Towards Achievement and Success”. Giving this information, Department Head, Dr Gurminder Sokhey said that the Department will provide free psychological testing and conselling services related to various areas related to anger management, resilience, self-esteem, motivation, achievement and personal growth. Workshop to enhance emotional well-being and achievement of University students will also constitute a part of the Psychofest. Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh will inaugurate the programme.

Tributes paid to Hazari Prasad Dwivedi

Patiala, Feb 8- Speakers paid rich tributes to the giant of Hindi literature, Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi on the opening day of the two-day seminar on “Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi ki Sahit Sadhna”, being organised by the Punjabi University’s Department of Hindi, here today.

In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh eulogized the contribution of Acharya Dwivedi in describing the personalities of Sikh gurus in a pithy and succinct manner. While he made Guru Nanak stand out among the contemporary band of saints through his exalted writing style, Dwivedi portrayed Guru Gobind as a “Spiritual warrior” in a great manner. In his keynote address, noted Hindi litterateur, Dr Ramesh Kuntal Megh lauded Dwivedi for his humanistic approach while giving vent to his rebellious ideas. He played a pivotal role in getting Punjabi and Hindi their due statuses at a time when both these languages were facing indifference from all quarters. Renowned Hindi scholar, Prof Kashi Nath Singh from Varansi admired the iconoclastic role of Acharya Dwivedi through his writings, aimed at disparaging orthodoxy and façade of ritualism. He urged the Hindi scholars to carry forward the rich legacy of Dwivedi.

Seminar Coordinator, Dr Ravi Kumar Anu said that Dwivedi gave a new direction of writings in Hindi. Dr Sukhwinder Kaur Bath, HoD of Hindi said that more than 25 research papers will be presented during the seminar being attended by over 100 prominent writers, teachers and critics of the language. Dr G.R. Kataria, Dean, Faculty of Languages, proposed vote of thanks.

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Hindi Seminar

Patiala, Feb 5- Punjabi University’s Department of Hindi is organising a two-day National Seminar on the “Literary Devotion of Acharya Hazari Prasad Diwedi” on February 8 and 9 on the University campus. Giving this information Dr. Sukhwinder Kaur Bath, HoD, said that over 100 prominent writers, teachers, cultural ambassadors and critics would participate in the seminar. Prof. Kashi Nath Singh from Banaras would be Chief Guest and Dr. Jaspal Singh Vice-Chancellor presides over the Seminar. Seminar Coordinator, Dr Ravi Kumar Anu said that more than 20 research papers on Indian culture, literature and society related with the lifelong writings of Acharya Hazari Prasad Diwedi will be presented.

Workshop on stress management

Patiala, Feb 7- Organised by the Women’s Studies Centre (WSC) of Punjabi University, a two-day workshop on “Stress Management” for the college teachers from various affiliated colleges of the University concluded here today. Expressing his deep concern over the mounting levels of stress in today’s world, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh said that although an optimum level of stress was necessary for carrying out our necessary obligations and overall growth but it becomes a cause of worry if it reaches a breaking point. While lauding the role of the WSC, the Vice-Chancellor said that it should conduct such workshops in rural colleges for attaining higher level of relevance. Dr Manjit Singh, Dean, Colleges, while reiterating the usefulness of such workshops, said that teachers can help de-stress their students for thrashing out their social and psychological problems to a great extent. According to Dr Manju Verma, Director of the WSC over 30 teachers participated in the workshop.

Sufi sangeet evening at PU

Patiala, Feb 6- An evening of Sufi Music was jointly organised by Gurmat Sangeet Chair and Guru Gobind Singh Department of Religious Studies on the University campus in which Sufi artists Adreem Khan and Shakur Khan presented different compositions of Bulle Shah, Ghulam Farid and Shah Latif in their melodious traditional style. Their performances were accompanied by their traditional instruments Kamaichan, Khartaal, Manjira and Dholak.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jaspal Singh said that Punjabi University will record Gurbani in the voice of prominent artists related to different music streams of India. These recordings, he said, will be preserved in Archives of Music, being established by Gurmat Sangeet Chair. He also honoured these Sufi artists on the occasion. Dr. Gurnam Singh, Dean Faculty of Art and Culture welcomed the guests and presented vote of thanks.

Sufi Seminar

Patiala, Feb 4 ----Justice MSA Siddiqui, National Commission for Minorities Institutions today said the message of Sufism that espouses tolerance, pluralism and communal harmony should be propagated to meet challenges of the day like religious bigotry, racial discriminations and terrorism.

Speaking at the inauguration of the two day international seminar at the university campus on “Relevance of Teachings of Saien Miyan Mir and Other Sufi Saints of Punjab to Contemporary Society” Justice Siddiqui said there was an urgent need of developing dialogue and understanding among the different religious faiths. The prevailing ignorance among adherences about one another faith has been cause of religious extremism that invariably breeds violence and disturbances in each society and world over as such, he added.

Hailing composite culture of Punjab that spanned over centuries before the advent of the British rule, Justice Siddiqui said all the five different ‘silsila’(orders) of Sufism born and flourished in the larger Punjabi society after Islam reached that land around ninth and tenth century. And Sufism made a great contribution to evolution of Sikhism in Punjab thereafter, he said. And there had been strong understanding among the Sufi saints and Sikh gurus as great Sufi saint, Saien Miyan Mir was invited by the Sikh guru to lay the foundation stone of the Golden Temple, the sanctum sanctorum of the Sikh faith.

In presidential address, Vice Chancellor Dr Jaspal Singh said the Sikh religious traditions and Sufi traditions that preceded the former ones, had deep relations as both stood for composite culture and pluralism. The composite culture inevitably builds on a pedestal where one religion accepts, respects and defends the identity and existence of other religion, he added. And, Sikh gurus exactly adhered to that principles and practices. There are three percepts—Oneness of God, unity of mankind and compassion for others-- are common factors between the Sikhism and Sufism, the Vice Chancellor said. Besides, historically the Sikhs are indebted particularly to Saien Miyan Mir as he laid the foundation stone of Golden Temple, attempted to save Guru Arjun from being martyred and used his influence with the then Moghal king for release of sixth guru Hargobind from the captivity in a fort at Gwalior. In addition to that religious hymns of another Sufi saint, Baba Farid, which were collected by Guru Nanak himself, were later included in Sikh scripture, compiled by guru Arjun.

The Vice Chancellor also announced that a Baba Farid Centre of Sufi Studies was being set up in the university to commemorate and explore the contribution of Sufism to the Indian religious lore and particularly to the Sikhism. About two dozen scholars are presenting their papers in the seminar on different aspects of Sufi outlook in medieval Punjab.

Annual sports meet of University school

Patiala, Feb 2- The annual sports meet of Punjabi University’s Senior Secondary Model School, in which more than 300 students took part in 83 events concluded here today. In his address, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh said that sports help inculcate the spirit of self-discipline, self-confidence and moral values among the sportspersons in addition to developing a balanced state of mind. He distributed prizes to the winners of various events in the state and national level competitions. Dr S.K. Nirmal Goyal, Principal of the school highlighted the achievements of the schools in various fields. The students presented a cultural programme.

Seminar on Sufism

Patiala, Feb 2- Guru Gobind Singh Department of Religious Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, in collaboration with Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR), Delhi is organising a two-day international seminar on “Relevance of Teachings of Saien Miyan Mir and other Sufi Saints of Punjab to Contemporary Society” on February 4 and 5 on the University campus.

Justice M. S. A. Siddiqui, Chairman National Commission for Minorities Institutions, will inaugurate the Seminar and Prof. Akhtarulwasey from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi will deliver the keynote address. Prof. Syed Shah Muhammad Ameen Qadri, Sajjada Nashin, Khanqah-e-Barkatiya,Eata (UP) - a famous Qadri Dargah of India, Dr. A.A. Siddiqui, former DGP, Punjab and Chairman, Sufi Foundation of India, will be among the Guests of Honour. Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala will preside over the function.

About 30 scholars of national and international repute, including 10 from Pakistan will present their papers in the seminar. Delegates from Sain Mian Mir Darbar, Lahore and Sain Miyan Mir International Peace Foundation India and Pakistan will also participate in the seminar.

Expers stress on all-inclusive growth of sportspersons

Patiala, Feb 1- Experts at the 4th national seminar, being organised by the Punjabi University’s Department of Physical Education on “Multidisciplinary Approach in Physical Education” gave a clarion call to adopt all-inclusive approach for the betterment of sports in the country.

Presiding over the seminar, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh said that physical fitness alone was not enough these days to corner glory in sports. Giving reference of the quickly changing perspectives all over the world in the sports arena, he called upon the sports trainers and administrators to pay attention to spiritual and emotional growth patterns of the sportspersons, in addition to using newer technological tools and gadgets. We have to move with times as competition and challenges were not only increasing with each passing day but are taking new shapes and dimensions and at a brisk speed on that, he added. Dr Singh further said that our programmes on holistic health should begin with children on the guiding principle of ‘catching them young’.

Former Olympian and Director, Sports at PAU, Ludhiana, Mr Ramandeep Singh said that we need to have a team of excellent sports psychologists and sports medicine experts if we want to see India figuring in the top bracket. He admitted that we are far behind in the field of training methods which is hampering our performance in international competitions. He stressed on developing quick reflexes, spontaneity and the ability to take quick decisions during crucial moments. Dr Kanwaljit Singh, Director, Sports, GNDU, Amritsar emphasized upon taking the help of newly developing softwares apt at analyzing movements and muscular strength for increasing speed and endurance levels. While emphasizing upon the need to reinventing, restructuring and reformulating the old and traditional concepts, he laid stress on developing interaction of scientific back up of nutritional, psychological and other allied elements for achieving professional excellence.

Dr G.S. Kang, HoD of Physical Education, disclosed that more than 300 delegates were participating in the seminar. He got released a souvenir by the Vice-Chancellor, which contained abstracts of 117 research papers. Earlier, a two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul of Dr Ajmer Singh, a former Olympian. Dr G.R. Kataria, Dean, Research, Dr Jagtar Singh, Dean, Education and Information Sciences also spoke on the occasion.