A collaborative Online Value-Added Course 

Chandigarh, August 27, 2022: A collaborative Online Value-Added Course was organized by Department of Botany Panjab University, Chandigarh with Centre for IAS and Other Competitive Examinations, PU and Panjab University Committee Against Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (PUCASH), from August 23rd to August 26th, 2022 under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Promila Pathak, Chairperson, Department of Botany & Chairperson PUCASH and Prof. (Dr.) Sonal Chawla, Honorary Director, Centre for IAS and Other Competitive Examinations.

The registration of participants as well as the Inaugural ceremony took place on the morning of 23rd August. During the ceremony, the welcome address was delivered by Prof. Promila Pathak. The Chief Guest of the occasion was Dean of University Instructions (DUI), Panjab University, Prof.(Dr.) Renu Vig. In her inaugural address, she remarked that the introduction of such a course along with the regular curriculum for students will help them in attaining an extra edge apart from academia which will help them in building a good bio data for their career and will also enhance qualities such a compassion in their life which is one of the most important aspects for becoming a good human.

Prof.Sonal Chawla gave a brief introduction about the course emphasizing upon its objective. She briefed the ouline of the course and apprised that it will help the students in cultivating a healthy attitude, in applauding the qualities in oneself, and above all a good human being.

The highlights of the course included topics like Positive Thinking, Communication Skills Development, Resume Writing/Leadership, Ethical and Social Responsibilities, Stress Management, Image Building, Interview Preparation, Interview Skills & Body Language, Time Management etc. During the 3 days (30 hours course),  speakers  were Experts not only from Panjab University but orators from Industry and other Academia [Dr. Neha Miglani, Senior Journalist, Editor-in-Chief (The Life Style Journalist Magazine), Senior Advocate Ms. Reeta Kohli (Punjab & Haryana High Court), Dr. Vivek Atray ex IAS, Author and Motivational TEDx speaker; Prof.Priti Arun, Chair, Deptt. of Psichiatry, GMCH, Chandigarh; Dr. Shilpa Suri, Chief Mentor and Director, Planet Psychology, Dr. Jayanti Dutta, Deputy Director UGC-HRDC, Dr Manu Jatana, Motivator and Wellness Coach, Life Coach; Prof. Manujata Gupta, Ms. Anuradha Chawla, Dr. Manvinder Kaur, Dr. Apara Sharma, Prof. Monika Aggarwal. The program was highly interactive during which practices like Yoga, Meditation, Public Speaking took place and was a massive success.

It saw a huge participation from both students as well as Faculty members with more than 100 participants. After each session, participants were asked to give their reviews; and a feedback form was also given to them to give their comments and suggestions. Lastly, a quiz was held which had questions from all the  covered topics; the participants actively attended the course with full interest.