Department of Higher Education Secretary inspired CU Punjab faculty to collaborate, innovate and transform education through multidisciplinary research

Bathinda, October 26, 2024: In pursuit of actualizing Government of India Vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat through the effective implementation of transformative educational reforms outlined in NEP-2020, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, interacted with the faculty of Central University of Punjab during the first day of his visit to Bathinda.    

During the welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari presented on the university’s progress report, highlighting its achievements in education, research, and societal outreach. He emphasized the university's mission to shape young minds into self-reliant, intellectually capable citizens who can contribute toward realising Viksit Bharat@2047.

Addressing the faculty, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy underscored the Government of India's commitment to provide ample opportunities for the strengthening the education, research, and startup ecosystems, which are essential drivers of a developed economy. He emphasized that institutions like Central Universities must play a pivotal role in nurturing young talent to maximize the potential of the Amrit Kaal.

Shri Murthy commended CU Punjab’s success in securing extramural funding close to INR 100 crore within just 15 years and encouraged the faculty to increase this by fostering multidisciplinary and translational research through collaborative efforts. Such research, he said, could drive affordable, indigenous solutions and stimulate the startup economy. Emphasizing the importance of national and international collaborations among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), industries, and research organizations, he advocated a synchronized ecosystem benefiting all stakeholders.

Referring to IIT Madras’s "Vidya Shakti" initiative, Shri Murthy encouraged CUP faculty to expand their community engagement and mentorship roles for other HEIs in Punjab. He highlighted that collaborations and resource-sharing could advance choice-based learning, offering students opportunities to build new skills. He recommended the adoption of ABC-linked courses on platforms like SWAYAM and iGOT Karmayogi to equip students with 21st-century competencies. Furthermore, he stressed that university programs should incorporate design thinking, entrepreneurship, and proficiency in advanced technologies across disciplines. He concluded by urging the faculty to deepen their industry ties by providing research-based solutions.

Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the Vice-Chancellor, expressed confidence that Shri Murthy's guidance will help university fraternity to set new benchmarks in education and research, contributing to societal progress and the creation of a value-based, culturally rich, tech-savvy, and environmentally conscious society aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) nationally and globally.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Vijay Sharma, Registrar. The event was attended by university faculty and officials.