Two Refresher Programmes on Punjabi and AI Begin at Central University of Punjab

Bathinda, December 10, 2025:  Under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the UGC–Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre at the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda has launched two online refresher programmes on Punjabi and AI disciplines, in which more than 300 teachers and librarians from various academic institutions across the country are participating. Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Jagbir Singh, renowned Information Science expert Dr. Parthasarathi Mukhhopadhyay, and former INFLIBNET Director Dr. Jagdish Arora graced the inaugural ceremonies of these programmes.

These two programmes are being organised in collaboration with the Department of Punjabi and the University Library. The inaugural session was held on 8th December and witnessed enthusiastic participation from the registered participants.

Director of the Teacher Training Centre, Dr. Vinod Arya, informed that both the two-week courses are being conducted in online mode from 8–20 December. He added that the objective of these courses is to enhance the quality of teaching and to update participants with the latest developments and research in their respective fields.

The refresher course for Punjabi teachers is themed “Punjabi Studies and Teaching: Contemporary Challenges and Future Possibilities”. The inaugural address was delivered by eminent Punjabi scholar and Hon’ble Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, Prof. (Dr.) Jagbir Singh. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Jagbir Singh discussed the current challenges in teaching in the context of the National Education Policy 2020 and stressed the need to free education from colonial mindsets. He stated that as India moves towards becoming a developed nation, there is a strong need to reform the education system in line with present and future needs, and that aware and inquisitive teachers can play a crucial role in this transformation. Before the inaugural address, Director Dr. Vinod Arya welcomed the participants, while Prof. Ramanpreet Kaur, Head, Department of Punjabi and Course Coordinator, introduced the theme and structure of the refresher course. The proceedings of the session were conducted by Co-coordinator Dr. Amandeep Singh.

The second refresher course, designed for library professionals, is titled “Smart Information Systems: AI in Action”. In the inaugural session, distinguished Information Science expert Dr. Parthasarathi Mukhhopadhyay, Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kalyani, and Dr. Jagdish Arora, former Director, INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar and Advisor, National Accreditation Board, joined as chief guests. They spoke about the new challenges emerging in the information world with the advent of Artificial Intelligence. Prior to their addresses, Assistant Librarian and Course Coordinator Dr. Bhupinder Singh briefed the participants about the course, and Prof. Rajesh Kumar, In-charge, University Library, proposed the vote of thanks.

In the coming days, a large number of subject experts and resource persons will interact with the participants in both refresher courses and share their knowledge and experiences.