ACADEMIC agreement between University of Cambridge and SGPC

Chandigarh, March 27, 2013: A delegation of University of Cambridge (UK) led by Dr. Shailaga Fennel, Dr. Ajit Singh and Ann held a meeting on Saturday with the SGPC delegation in Chandigarh to discuss further expansion of academic ties between SGPC and University of Cambridge (UK).

The SGPC delegation was led by Dr. Gurmohan Singh Walia, Vice Chancellor, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib which included Dr. Kanwaljeet Singh, Dean Academic Affairs of the University and Dr. Gurmail Singh Professor and Head Department of Economics Panjab University Chandigarh who is the Member of Syndicate of Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib.

After extensive discussions it was decided to further expand the academic ties between University of Cambridge (UK) and SGPC.

The SGPC has already an MOU with University of Cambridge (UK) in place to sponsor five Sikh Scholars for pursuing Ph.d. / M.Phil programmes every year in the University of Cambridge (UK) and the total funding is shared 50-50 by University of Cambridge (UK) and SGPC.

Briefing selected mediapersons, Dr. Walia informed that on the same pattern a decision has been taken in principle to sponsor five Sikh Students every year for Under Graduate Courses in various disciplines including Social Sciences, Pure Sciences, IT, Management, Engineering, Pharmacy and Languages etc. which are being taught in the University of Cambridge (UK). The students for this Scholarship will be selected every year through a written test followed by an interview. To begin with, students scoring 90% and above in 10+2 class in any discipline will be eligible to appear in qualifying test. The total cost of each scholarship is going to Rs. 16-24 lakh per year, which will be shared jointly by University of Cambridge (UK) and SGPC (Educational).

Dr. Sir Boris, Vice Chancellor University of Cambridge (UK) had visited Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University Fatehgarh Sahib and other SGPC Education institutions in the month of September-2012 and expressed keen desire to expand academic ties with SGPC. The delegates today discussed a proposal of SGPC on the possibility of starting a course in Sikh Studies in the University of Cambridge (UK) on year to year basis. The Course of Sikh Study is likely to entail about Rs. 50-60 lakh per year. Both the delegates agreed to further discuss this issue. An MOU between University of Cambridge (UK) and SGPC is likely to be signed in June this year.