The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

PAU signs MoU with US varsity
Tribune News Service

Dr K.S. Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, receives the rare honour of ‘Key of District’ from Mr Pete McHugh, Supervisor, Santa Clara Country, California, USA.

Ludhiana, May 10
Punjab Agricultural University and San Jose State University, California, USA, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for establishing a long-term mutually beneficial association between the two universities.

This was stated by Dr Kirpal Singh Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor, PAU while addressing mediapersons here today. Dr Aulakh had returned from the USA last evening after his 10-day visit to San Jose State University, California, Davis Campus and other places. The visit was sponsored by San Jose State University.

The MoU was signed by Dr Aulakh and Mr Robert L. Caret, President, San Jose State University, Dr Aulakh said the two universities had agreed to develop cooperation with respect to the exchange of professors, students, scientists, and research personnel for the purpose of teaching, research and programme development; exchange of publications, scientific material, scholarly papers and research information; developing programmes for collaborative research; producing joint publications; holding meetings and conferences.

Dr Aulakh also visited California University, Davis Campus to initiate discussion for mutual collaboration with the university in the area of post-harvest technology. He said the discussions would pave the way for finalising the conditions for technical collaboration. Dr Gurdev S. Khush, a Punjabi scientist of international repute, who has now joined as Professor Emeritus in the California University, also joined in the deliberations.

Dr Aulakh also met Mr Henry Pera, council president of the City of Fresno. Dr Aulakh and Mr Henry Pera agreed, in principle, to declare Ludhiana and Fresno City as sister cities. This declaration would facilitate the exchange of farmers, scientists and businessmen between the two cities, he maintained. The Fresno City would be represented by the council president and Ludhiana would be represented by the Mayor and the Vice-Chancellor, PAU, Ludhiana.

Mr Henry Pera awarded a certificate of recognition to Dr Aulakh commending him for his dedication and commitment to Punjab community, strengthening the agricultural foundation of India and earning the sobriquet of ‘Agricultural Food Basket of India’ for Punjab. Dr Aulakh was also honoured by Lieutenant-Governor Cruz M. Buctamento of the State of California for his contribution to form and preserve the largest agricultural university in India. His efforts for establishing recent student exchange programme between California and Punjab were also appreciated.

Dr Aulakh was also honoured by Mr Pete McHugh, Supervisor of Santa Clara Country, California, by presenting him a ‘Key of the district’, a rare recognition given to the visiting dignitaries. Dr Aulakh said the Punjabi community in California, which has created a place of honour for itself through hard work and dedicated efforts, was primarily responsible for the honours bestowed on him which in fact is the recognition of the academic status and the contributions made by Punjab Agricultural University towards the agricultural development of Punjab in particular and the country in general.

Impressive show by KVM students
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, May 10
Fun, frolic, dance and music items marked the annual day-cum-prize distribution function of Kundan Vidya Mandir (city branch), held here today.

The function began with “Shri Ram Stuti”, followed by a colourful dance performance by tiny tots of Nursery and KG on the song ‘Meri abhilasha’. An English play titled ‘Dear departed’ was presented by the students from middle section.

Modelling in the item ‘Style 2002’ added zing to the programme. “Holia” dance performance won much applause. Solo dance performances were given by Ridhia and Pavik.

Fancy dress show by the school kids was another attraction of the programme. While magic show held the spectators spellbound. The cultural programme concluded with Holia dance and Punjabi folk dance, following which prizes were distributed among the students for their performance in academics, sports and cultural activities.

Mr Amarjeet Singh Grewal, director, Out Reach, Punjab Technical University, was the chief guest. Dr Pratibha Rath, headmistress, read the annual report highlighting the achievements of the students. Mr Prem Aggarwal, Dr Lajpat Rai, Dr K.M. Gupta, Mr V.K. Goel and other members of the school managing committee were also present on the occasion.