MoU signed at Panjab University

Chandigarh, August 26, 2019: Government of Assam through Siddhartha Bhattacharyam, Cabinet Minister of Education, Government of Assam and Panjab University (PU) through Prof.Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor signed a Memorandum of Understanding, here today to establish Srimanta Sankardev Chair in PU for a period of 5 years commencing from the Financial Year 2019-20 against one time grant of Rs.5 crore released by Government of Assam.
Bhattacharyam while addressing the meeting, elaborated in details about long history of association of the two States of Assam and Punjab. While talking on the concept of the Chair, he highlighted the common factors in all religions like Kirtan, Teaching of Brotherhood and Love which needs to be taken forward by spreading the messages of great icons like Srimanta Sankardev. He informed that the State of Assam has 23 Universities which also include purely focused Universities like University of Culture, University of Science & Technology etc. He further added that Guwahati from North East is the gateway to South East Asia and is going to be a hub of great opportunities for students of PU. With signing of this MoU, Government of Assam is looking forward to a very fruitful interaction and association with PU.
Maninder Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Education, Government of Assam while listing the objectives of the Chair said that the main focus would be to extend the study and research of Sankardev, his teaching and the Bhakti Movement beyond the borders of Assam and India. It will also facilitate Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Research and Cross-Cultural Linkages on the Bhakti Movement.
Prof. Raj Kumar expressed that this MoU will give a long lasting bond between Assam and PU. He also urged to unfurl areas where research and academic activities can be extended to PU or vice versa. He said that he is looking forward to a time bound, functional MoU in the interest of both.
Dean Research, Panjab University and Chairperson, Department of Sanskrit, Panjab University, Chandigarh will act as Ex-officio from PU’s side.
Those present included Prof. Shankarji Jha, Dean of University Instruction, Sh. Vikram Nayyar, Officiating Registrar, Panjab University, Prof. R.K. Singla, Dean Research, Prof. Parminder Singh, Director, Sports, Prof. Deepti Gupta, Dean Alumni Relations, Prof. Gurpal Singh, Dean Languages, Prof. S.K. Tomar, Director, HRDC, Prof. Meena Sharma, Director, Placement Cell, Prof. Savita Gupta, Director, UIET, Prof. Harish Kumar, UIET, Prof. Sanjeev Puri, Director, CIIPP, Prof. Neelam Paul, Department of Music, Prof. Tirthankar Bhattacharya, Art History & Visual Arts, Dr. Jadab Sharma, Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Ms. Renuka B. Salwan, Director Public Relations, Ms.Sukhjit S. Dhiman, Gen. Secretary, Alumni Association, PGGC 11, Chandigarh, Ms.Dayanidhi, Organising Secretary, Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal.