Panjab University harnessing rich knowledge reservoir of professor emeriti: Vice Chancellor Prof Raj Kumar

Chandigarh, March 19, 2022: “The senior faculty is the torch bearer of the rich heritage of Panjab University and is the guiding spirit in university’s quest for excellence. Their seminal contributions continue to motivate their younger colleagues and generation of students as they possess extensive experience of brilliant careers in education. Their indefatigable zeal to pursue intellectual interests and render further service to the University community is remarkable.”

These views were expressed by Prof Raj Kumar, while interacting with the Professor Emeriti on March 19, 2022. He outlined the  plans of PU to utilise the huge untapped academic potential of senior Professors as their advice and participation is still quite valuable.  He appreciated their desire to socialize and renew intellectual exchanges and urged Emeritus Professors to cement this connection further by contributing to their departments,  university and the community.

The Vice Chancellor shared his plans to set up a central facility wherein emphasis will be to have on-campus and community-based interactions and  lectures by retired professors, reinvigorate them into mentoring students and arranging facilities for those retirees continuing to do research or completing books or publications. This hub of intellectual activity will provide a focal point for the activities of the emeritus faculty and to integrate them into the life of the university.

Dean of University Instruction Prof Renu Vig sought the guidance of the senior professors in preparing for the ensuing NAAC re-accreditation.

More than 15 Senior Emeritus Professors, including former Vice Chancellors Prof K N Pathak, Prof R. C. Sobti shared their views on developing strategic vision for the university as well as devising strategies for operationalising salient features of the New Education Policy.

Senior Professors appreciated the keen interest of the Vice Chancellor by devising a mechanism wherein emeritus scholars having diverse intellectual interests be held together not only in their official relationships, but in a social unity that will both increase their satisfactions and add to their influence in the community.

Dean Research Prof Sudhir Kumar proposed a vote of thanks. The event was convened by Prof Rupinder Tewari.