Creating sustainable model of higher education my aim, says new GNDU VC

Prof Karamjeet Singh, an eminent academician and founder Vice-Chancellor of Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University, Patiala, today assumed the position of Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University. Upon his arrival, Prof Karamjeet Singh expressed his gratitude and shared his vision for taking the university ahead to mark its global presence.

Prof Karamjeet Singh said it was a homecoming for him. “As an alumnus of the university and as someone who belongs to the district, I feel it’s a blessing that I have been given this opportunity. Despite our achievements, the gross enrollment ratio of Punjab in higher education is only 29.10 per cent, which means very few students here get a chance to pursue higher education. My aim aligns with the Government of India’s target of achieving a gross enrollment ratio of 50 per cent. My focus would be to change that and include every student in creating a sustainable model of higher education,” he said.

Calling the recent surge in higher education courses in the state a golden opportunity, Dr Karamjeet Singh said that this was the right time to tap into the student pool of Punjab and retain them as future workforce. “The surge in enrollment in undergraduate and postgraduate courses due to curbs by Canada must be seen as a golden opportunity. We need to introduce skill-based courses, Artificial Intelligence or AI-based courses to ensure employability and entrepreneurship among our students.”

Acknowledging the pivotal role of research and innovation, he stressed upon the need to excel in both scientific and social sciences research, fostering innovation that addresses contemporary challenges. He said that special focus will be given to extending online education to students in remote areas, as well as providing higher education opportunities to marginalised groups, including the underprivileged, differently-abled and jail inmates.