Amritsar, April 24 (K.L. Jit Walia) – Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab, called upon higher education institutions to come together to address challenges arising from new technologies, changing economic conditions, and evolving social dynamics. He emphasized that while adapting to change, institutions must not lose sight of their core values and fundamental goals of education.
The Governor was addressing a one-day national conference on the theme “Higher Education Policy: Navigating Global Challenges and National Priorities” held at Khalsa University. He urged institutions to stay prepared for global transformations and highlighted the crucial role of higher education in promoting inclusive growth, social equity, and employment generation.
The conference was organized to bring together leading scholars, academicians, and policymakers to discuss emerging trends and challenges in higher education in India and across the world. Prior to the event, the Governor visited the historic Khalsa College and the university campus, where he spent time at the Sikh History Research Centre, exploring research materials, books, and manuscripts related to Sikh heritage.
As Visitor of the university, Kataria also reviewed administrative and academic activities with Pro-Chancellor Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mehal Singh, Registrar Dr. Khushwinder Kumar, and UGC Joint Secretary Dr. Amol M. Andhare.
In his address, the Governor appreciated the Khalsa University management and noted that the Khalsa College Society has been contributing significantly to education for over 140 years. He stressed that under the National Education Policy 2020, institutions have the opportunity to provide multidisciplinary and flexible learning. He also highlighted the growing importance of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and online learning platforms in higher education.
Welcoming the Governor, Pro-Chancellor Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina expressed concern over emerging challenges and the declining standards in higher education. He remarked that education is not a business but a means to build a healthy society, and praised societies and trusts for their longstanding contributions to quality education.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mehal Singh stated that the conference, organized ahead of the 2026–27 academic session, aims to promote academic excellence, innovation, and professional education. Dr. Amol Andhare emphasized the need to nurture institutions that actively respond to changing societal and national needs.
Registrar and Dean Faculty of Education Dr. Khushwinder Kumar, who played a key role in organizing the conference, said the event provided a platform for experts to share insights on implementing the new education policy and developing strategies to tackle current challenges.
Dean Academics Dr. Surinder Kaur, in her vote of thanks, acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests and Vice-Chancellors from various universities, including Guru Nanak Dev University, Lovely Professional University, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University Bathinda, Sardar Beant Singh State University Gurdaspur, and representatives from Government College Gurdaspur and Khalsa College.
Among others present were Deputy Commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh, Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SDM Alka Kalia, Council Vice President Swinder Singh Kanthoonangal, Joint Secretary Gunbir Singh, Rajbir Singh, Santosh Singh Sethi, Lakhwinder Singh Dhillon, Paramjit Singh Ball, Gurpreet Singh Gill, along with principals, directors, and several dignitaries from Khalsa institutions.
KL JIT WALIA
