Central University of Punjab commemorated its 15th Foundation Day by hosting a Foundation Day Lecture on ‘The Idea of New-Age Universities’
Bathinda: As a part of 15th Foundation Day Celebrations, the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CU Punjab), under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, organized a Foundation Day Lecture titled ‘The Idea of New-Age Universities’. The Chief Guest of this programme was Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Former President, Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi.
During the event, the Chief Guest, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, applauded the efforts of the CU Punjab fraternity for setting high benchmarks in the fields of education and research. While delivering his lecture, Dr. Sahasrabuddhe noted that in the ever-changing era of the 21st century, our society is reinventing itself. However, this changing environment has also placed our young generation amidst a crisis of purpose, authenticity, ownership, and relationships. As educational institutions play a crucial role in shaping the future generation, our universities must also reinvent themselves to meet the demands of the times. He emphasized that universities should consistently review and reformulate their Academic Activities, Research Programmes, Administrative Systems, and Role of Universities in their journey to become New-Age Universities.
During his lecture, Dr. Sahasrabuddhe highlighted that our Nitya Nutan, Chir PuratanBharatiya Sanskriti has guided us to adopt a sustainable lifestyle, a scientific temperament, and a lifelong learner approach. NEP-2020 paves the way to reinvent our modern education based on the guiding principles of the Indian Knowledge System. He underlined that although technological advancements have eased our lives by turning the world into a global village, they also pose challenges like deep fakes, data security, weakening social bonds, and many others. Therefore, universities need to consider the needs of a changing society, evolve new academic programs, create new knowledge, and research-based solutions to remain relevant at all times.
In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra Tiwari expressed gratitude towards the Chief Guest for delivering an enlightening Foundation Day Lecture that encourages the entire university fraternity to persistently endeavor to improve and infuse an everlasting zeal to achieve majestic heights for CU Punjab. He stated that Dr. Sahasrabuddhe’s lecture has inspired participants to reinvent ourselves to fulfill the very purpose of education: learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together, and learning to be. Prof. Tiwari opined that our Bharatiya philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has guided us to consider the entire world as one family, share our natural resources, and live a harmonious life, as our future depends on the existence of all life forms. He concluded his address by reiterating the University’s commitment to empowering young minds to realize Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 through value-based holistic education.
Post lecture session, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, interacted with international students from fourteen countries studying at CU Punjab and took note of their concerns addressed by ICCR. The students expressed satisfaction at choosing CU Punjab for pursuing higher education and expressed gratitude for the support extended by the Government of India.
The Foundation Day Lecture Program commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Sanjeev Kumar, Dean of Student Welfare, who mentioned that CU Punjab marked its 15th Foundation Day Celebrations by organizing a series of events over the last seven days. These events encompassed lectures by acclaimed academicians, cultural events, a food carnival, and more, all aimed at providing exposure to our students in a vibrant atmosphere. Towards the end of programme, organizers thanked everyone for their active participation.