Panjab University Organises RUSA 2.0-Funded AICTE-Approved Faculty Development Programme on Universal Human Values

Chandigarh, September 28, 2026: The Universal Human Values (UHV) Cell, Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry, organised a RUSA 2.0-funded, AICTE-approved offline Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Universal Human Values (UHV). CIIPP was the other organising partner for the programme.
The FDP witnessed participation of 63 delegates from different parts of India, including Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
FDP Coordinator Prof. Shankar Sehgal welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of organising such programmes to sensitise faculty members and research scholars towards understanding and implementing the concepts of Universal Human Values in their personal as well as professional lives.
Patron of the FDP Prof. Ganga Ram Chaudhary appreciated the initiative and highlighted the relevance of RUSA 2.0 funding in facilitating the dissemination of relevant knowledge through such meaningful academic initiatives. He also apprised the participants of several international-level teaching and research initiatives recently held at the PU campus through effective utilisation of RUSA 2.0 funding.
Guest of Honour Prof. R. K. Ratho, Former Head, Department of Virology and Former Dean (Academic), PGIMER, Chandigarh, delivered an elaborate talk on the important theme of ‘Happiness’ in the context of Universal Human Values. He discussed happiness as an important dimension of human well-being and referred to Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework, which gives importance to dimensions such as community and family relationships, spiritual and cultural values, environmental conservation and overall well-being. He emphasised that understanding and applying UHV concepts can help individuals develop greater clarity and contribute towards enhancing happiness in their lives.
Guest of Honour Prof. R. Jagadeesh Kannan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University, emphasised the importance of assessing the impact of such programmes on participants’ well-being. He suggested that delegates may assess their Happiness Index before and after attending UHV-based FDPs to reflect upon the impact of the learning and discussions during the programme. He further highlighted the need to organise more such FDPs on Universal Human Values to promote greater awareness and contribute towards building a better and more harmonious society.
AICTE Resource Person Sh. Jitender Narula emphasised the need for value-based holistic education beyond mere skill development. He highlighted the role of Universal Human Values in helping students develop clarity about life and purpose. Sh. Narula further explained that excessive emphasis on material gains, when accompanied by neglect of relationships and right understanding, can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. In contrast, right understanding, harmonious relationships and balanced living contribute to sustainable happiness and overall well-being.
The FDP provided an interactive platform for faculty members and research scholars to reflect upon the relevance of Universal Human Values in education, professional life, relationships and society. The participants appreciated the initiative and expressed their appreciation for the academic discussions and the opportunity to engage with the UHV framework.