PAU News Diary 

Ludhiana:

PAU HOLDS ONLINE WEBINAR ON ‘WORKING TOGETHER TO PREVENT SUICIDE’
The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) observed ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ on September 10. The Vice-Chancellor Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon called upon all the sections of the society to work together to prevent suicides. He mentioned the efforts of the University to strengthen family bonding and promote social brotherhood among farming families. He said one must never hesitate to reach out for help as everyone faces rainy days and sunny days in life. The PAU slogan ‘Karoge Gal Milega Hal’ (Talking is Healing) is getting very good response from farmers, he said.

On the occasion, the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, organized an online webinar on the theme of the year ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’ with the objective to widen the perspective and deepen the understanding of suicide and its prevention. The webinar was attended by overwhelming 229 students and faculty members of the College of Community Science.

The resource persons for the webinar sessions were Dr Harprit Kaur, Professor of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala; and Dr Sarabjeet Singh, Professor and Head, Agricultural Journalism, Languages and Culture, PAU. The webinar started with the introductory note given by the Dean, College of Community Science, PAU, Dr Sandeep Bains. She stressed the need and importance of celebrating the ‘World Suicide Prevention Day.’

Dr Sarabjeet Singh emphasized that suicide and suicide attempts have a ripple effect that impacts families, friends, colleagues, communities and societies. He explained how the growing intolerance, rage, anger and degrading human values are fuelling the suicidal tendencies and thoughts.

Dr Harprit Kaur in her presentation highlighted the value of psychological first aid, peer support and volunteerism for helping a person with suicidal ideation or depression, and to transform hopelessness and helplessness into hopefulness and helpfulness.

The sessions were very interactive, motivational and great learning experience for all the participants.

Later, Dr Deepika Vig, Professor and Head, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, proposed the vote of thanks.

PAU HOLDS WEBINAR ON TREE PLANTATION
The Skill Development Centre, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized one-day webinar on “Tree Plantation at Roadside of NH-3, Attari, Amritsar.” The PAU experts from the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping highlighted the importance of floriculture and its scope; preparation and planting of trees on highways; selection of trees for highways; selection of shrubs, climbers and ground cover for highways; and maintenance and aftercare of highway plants. Dr TS Riar, Associate Director, Skill Development, was the Course Director and Dr KK Dhatt, Head, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, was the Technical Course Director. Dr Kiran Grover, a food and nutrition expert, and Dr RK Dubey, a landscaping expert, were the Course Coordinators.

PAU’s MS RANDHAWA LIBRARY IMPARTS TRAINING IN ANTI-PLAGIARISM SOFTWARE
Mohinder Singh Randhawa Library, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), conducted an online training on the “Anti-plagiarism Software TURNITIN” for the faculty and postgraduate students of the University. The training was attended by 290 participants including four Heads of Departments, 225 faculty members and 60 postgraduate students from all the five constituent colleges, Regional Stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the University. The training focused on how to use the software for checking research publications like theses, synopses and research papers against plagiarism. The trainer from Turnitindia Education Private Limited demonstrated how to create classes and assignments, submit the files, interpretation of similarity report, settings and various other features of the software. The session also included question-answer round and all the operational queries of the participants were well addressed by the resource person.

In the concluding session, Dr (Mrs) Param Pal Sahota, University Librarian, addressed all PAU anti-plagiarism policy related queries of the participants. On the whole, it was a successful and useful training, educating the participants to use software more efficiently and effectively.

KITCHEN GARDENING: HEALTHY OPTION
Healthy mind resides in a healthy body. It is important to stay healthy so as to lead a more productive life. Eating nutritious food and regular exercise are two important ways to stay healthy. Kitchen gardening serves both these purposes. Getting fresh organic vegetables and fruits and working in your kitchen garden can act as a blessing.

The Department of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University organised a training programme on promotion of kitchen gardening in adopted village, Pabbian to mark Nutrition Week. Social distancing and other necessary precautions were taken in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was planned to sensitise farm families about the benefits of kitchen gardening. Dr. Dharminder Singh, Senior Extension Scientist urged the farmers to develop kitchen gardens in their premises not only to source fresh produce but also to reduce expenditure. He also asked them to motivate their peers, friends and relatives to adopt kitchen gardening. While interacting with the farmers, Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur, Extension Scientist elaborated on the health benefits of fresh food items ,nutritional security of the family and the Diet Counselling cell of the university . Farmers were provided vegetable seed kits produced by Punjab Agricultural University These kits contain seeds of seasonal vegetables and are available from the seed shops of the university at Ludhiana and at Krishi Vigyan Kendras in different districts of the state.