17 Scientists from PU among World Top 2% Scientists

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Chandigarh October 23, 2021

 As many as 17 faculty scientists from various disciplines from Panjab University out of 2042 Indian Scientists are included in that elite list of world top 2% scientists as per the Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA  which provided an updated analysis that uses citations from Scopus with data freeze as of  Dec 31, 2020, assessing scientists for citation impact during the calendar year 2020 that was published on October 19, 2021 in PLOS Biology, a peer reviewed high impact international journal available at https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/3. . There was great interest in the databases of standardized citation metrics across all scientists and scientific disciplines, and many scientists urged the authors to provide updates of the databases.

Data include all scientists who are among the top 100,000 across all fields according to the composite citation index. Composite citation index was calculated with a validated formula and machine learning approach was used to extract the data from Scopus programmed with a specific set of rules like citations, h-index, authorship status etc.On the basis of citations and papers, the scientists are classified into 22 scientific fields and 176 sub-fields. Selection of the scientists in the list is based on the c-score criteria or a percentile rank of 2% or above, based upon the various publication metrics, including, Scopus H-index, co-authorship adjusted HM-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions and a composite indicator.

The recognition gives great satisfaction to all scientists working in varied research areas and motivates them to keep moving ahead despite all odds and financial limitations. All faculty members are putting their heart and soul in keeping the prestige of Panjab University as high as possible. Sincerely regular and joint efforts made by all faculty members maintain high research standards across all streams in Panjab University. Research Scholars and non-teaching staff also play key roles in attaining various research and academic goals.

Two lists have been created for the top 2% scientists. The first list which is based upon the Career-long data contains PU’s 17 scientists. Six out of these scientists belong to University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), three each are from Departments of Chemistry and Physics, while one each is from departments of Anthropology, Botany, Environmental Studies, Mathematics and UICET.

The second list which is based upon a Single-year impact (year 2020) has 30 scientists from PU. Almost all the scientists from the first list have made it to the second list also.

Prof Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University said that it is indeed a moment to feel proud for the University that as many as 30 faculty members have made it to the coveted list of Top 2% Scientists of the World.It is a matter of great honour and prestige for the whole scientific fraternity of Panjab University, he added.

Herein, we share the credentials of the 17 scientists who were selected on the basis of career-long performance. 

National Cyber Security Discussed at PU

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Chandigarh October 23, 2021

Florence Nightingale Girls Hostel-8 and Department of Evening Studies MDRC, Panjab University Chandigarh organized a special web lecture on “National Cyber Security Awareness” by discussing cyber-crime threats, vulnerability and protection.  Ministry of Home Affairs has declared the month of October as the National Cyber Security Awareness month. 

Chief guest of the webinar was Dr. Rashmi Sharma Yadav (DSP) cyber-crime and Sh. Hari Om Sharma (Inspector) were invited for a talk. 

Session was initiated by Dr. Simran Kaur (Warden GH-8) by informing the relevance of cyber security. Prof. Meena Sharma (DSW-W) gave the welcome address to all the participants. 

Talk was attended by various wardens, faculty and students. Lecture was  interactive and informative in which Sh. Hari Om Sharma answered many queries raised by faculty and students. 

The main issues discussed were on fake social media accounts, money laundering and various other social media applications reliability and authenticity.

Dr. Vinod Kumar (DES-MDRC) gave vote of thanks to all the invitees.                        

विधि विभाग खुलवाने के लिए इनसो ने सौंपा ज्ञापन

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सिरसा। चौ. देवीलाल विश्वविद्यालय में विधि विभाग को खुलवाने को लेकर इनसो की जिला इकाई ने कुलपति को एक ज्ञापन सौंपा। कुलपति को सौंपे ज्ञापन में इनसो नेत्री संजू, छात्राएं खुशबू, पूनम वर्मा, दीपिका, अमृतपाल कौर, सिमरन, हीना ने बताया कि वे एलएलबी तृतीय वर्ष के विद्यार्थी हैं। उन्होंने बताया कि हमारी कक्षाएं 11 अक्तूबर से शुरू होनी थी, लेकिन ऐलनाबाद उपचुनाव के चलते कक्षाएं शुरू नहीं की गई हैं। कोरोना के चलते विभाग पहले ही बंद था और अब चुनावों के कारण विभाग बन्द कर रहे हैं, जिससे विद्यार्थियों का नुकसान होना तय है। विद्यार्थियों ने बताया कि दिसंबर माह में परीक्षाएं होनी है, ऐसे में कक्षाएं शुरू न करवाकर उनके भविष्य से खिलवाड़ किया जा रहा है। विद्यार्थियों ने बताया कि अगर कक्षाओं में देरी होती है तो सिलेबस पूर्ण नहीं होगा, जिससे वे परीक्षा की बेहतर तरीके से तैयारी नहीं कर पाएंगे।
इनसो नेत्री संजू ने कहा कि इनसो छात्र संगठन हमेशा से ही छात्रों की समस्याओं को प्रमुखता से उठाता रहा है। आज इसी कड़ी में कुलपति को विद्यार्थियों की समस्याओं को लेकर ज्ञापन सौंपा गया है, ताकि विद्यार्थियों का साल खराब न हो। इसलिए आपसे आग्रह है कि विद्यार्थियों की ऑफलाइन कक्षाएं तुरंत प्रभाव से शुरू की जाएं।

International Girl Child Day celebrated by PU GH-8

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Chandigarh October 13, 2021

            Panjab University Girls Hostel No.8 celebrated International Girl Child day on 12th October 2021 with  the children of construction workers in the Campus, informed Dr. Simran Kaur, Warden.

            Prof Meena Sharma, Dean Student Welfare (Women) and  Prof. Ashok Kumar Associate DSW distributed stationary stuff to these children. The Deans expressed the relevance of girl child. Dr Gaurav Gaur and various Wardens of other hostels were present in the event.

PU VC releases book

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Chandigarh October 12, 2021

            A book titled “Dynamics of Labour Demand and Supply in Punjab Agriculture” authored by Dr. Sucha Singh, Assistant Professor, and Coordinator, Department of Geography, USOL was released today by Prof. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, in his office in the presence of Prof. Dhian Kaur; Prof. Gaurav Kalotra, Chairperson, Geography, and Dr. Gaurav Gaur, Chairperson, Centre for Social Work.

            PU VC extended his facilitations to Dr. Sucha Singh for bringing out an excellent piece of research work on the changing labour absorption scenario in Punjab agriculture.

            The author, in his book highlights that agrarian labour is an important theme of study in social sciences which has both theoretical relevance and applied significance. Despite the mechanization of various farm operations, labour remains a crucial factor in agricultural production in the green revolution states like Punjab. The commercial food grain system of the state is under transformation. Therefore, the book analyzes the dynamics of labour absorption under changing scenario in Punjab, where a major share of agricultural workforce has shifted to non-agricultural sectors since 1991. The book gives an extensive preview of the impact of mechanized intensive commercial grain farming on the agricultural labour absorption in Punjab, particularly after the economic liberalization of 1990s. The book has attempted to understand the various facets of change in different types of agricultural labour at the tehsil and district level in the state. It majorly focuses on the analysis and interpretation of primary data pertaining to crop-wise, farm size-wise and agro-climatic region-wise absorption of different types of labour in various operations of crop farming and allied agricultural activities in Punjab. It also provides information for formulating an area-specific policy on absorbing displaced agricultural labour in the state. Geographers, Economists and Sociologists concerned with the studies of agrarian labour will find this book useful and interesting.

UT Advisor Visits PU

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Chandigarh October 12, 2021

            The Advisor to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Dharam Pal, visited Panjab University, Chandigarh today. Sh. Praveer Ranjan, the DGP, UT and Sh. Sarpreet Singh Gill, the Education Secretary accompanied him. Professor Raj Kumar, the Vice Chancellor of PU extended warm welcome to the dignitaries who were taken for a visit to Central Instrumentation Laboratory, Gandhi Bhavan, various offices located at Student Centre, Dr. Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital and Human Resource Development Centre located in North and South Campus of the University.

            The dignitaries from Chandigarh Administration were briefed about the teaching, research, technical and infrastructural facilities available in the University. The mutual interaction among members of both sides was highly fructuous in underlining strong relation and exchange of innovative practices between them which may go a long way to strengthen and develop the University.

            The other officials present during the visit included Prof. S.K.Tomar, Dean Research, Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean Student Welfare(Women), Prof. Anju Suri, Dean International Students, Prof. Sukhbir Kaur, Prof. Promila Pathak and other senior officials who interacted with the dignitaries.

Special Lecture by Women Studies, PU

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Chandigarh October 12, 2021

            The Department cum Centre for Women’s Studies & Development (DCWSD) and Centre for Social Work (CSW), Panjab University Chandigarh, under the aegis of Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsava organizex a special lecture  today on “Women in Indian Central Armed Police Forces: Status, Challenges and Prospects” by Dr. Akshat Mehta, University Dean & Associate Professor, Police Administration at Rashtriya Raksha University (An Institution of National Importance), Gujarat.

            Dr. Mehta through his holistic yet nuanced address traced the history and genesis of  women entering the police force during the pre-Independence era. He assessed the empowerment of women in Indian Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and analysed the status of police women in terms of their strength and position in the hierarchy. He further articulated that the number of Women personnel in CAPFs is a mere 3.32%, which is almost 1/3rd of the numbers as far as overall data on Women in India Police is concerned (10.30%) as per the Bureau of Police Research & Development, 2020 report. He lauded the comprehensive efforts made by CISF in this regard and welcomed the remedial steps undertaken by BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB among others. In particular, he was appreciative of NSG – the elite commando force, which is ushering in the winds of change by being more inclusive for women. 

            The strength of women in CAPFs also need to be seen from the prism of gender lens, as placement of women in the organizational hierarchy. The BPR&D data revealed that almost 82% of women in CAPFs are at the junior ranks of Constables and Head Constables only. He strongly reiterated that the issue of hierarchical distribution of women across ranks needs to be addressed for strengthening women empowerment in the truest sense of the term.

            Dwelling upon the multi-faceted challenges being faced by women in terms of mindset, manifestation of masculinity, societal barriers, institutional practices, behaviour of fellow men and women police personnel, glass ceiling, gender stereotypes,  he deliberated upon several key prospects including those emerging from dedicated efforts being made by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry under which CAPFs function. He concluded by stating that there are clear signs of strengthening of quantitative as well as qualitative indicators regarding empowerment of women in CAPFs, and motivated the students and researchers of both DCWSD and CSW to contribute towards the endeavour of gender sensitization and inclusive society.

            Earlier Dr. Rajesh Kumar Chander, Chairperson, DCWSD, in his welcome address emphasized the need for more Multidisciplinary research and special lectures as new knowledge lies at the intersections of disciplines. He further briefly highlighted the achievements of the Department in the realm of Women’s Studies & Women Empowerment.

            The erudite discourse concluded by a formal vote of thanks from Dr. Gaurav Gaur, Chairperson, Centre for Social work and the rich deliberations comprised of participants from NIPCCD, various faculty members ranging across the disciplines like Women’s Studies, Social Work, Laws, Management, English language, Sociology, and Police Administration, to name a few.

Webinar on Continued Challenges of Corona Pandemic: Learning from Experience by PU

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Chandigarh October 11, 2021

            The Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh organized a webinar on the topic “Continued Challenges of Corona Pandemic: Learning from Experience.”

            Prof. V.R. Sinha, Dean University Instructions, Panjab University, Chandigarh in his inaugural address accentuated the fact that though the pandemic created a havoc throughout the country it also had some underlying positive effects. It was only due to the emergence of this pandemic that the world recognized the power of Indian pharmaceuticals.

            Prof. V.M. Katoch, former Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) summarized the experiences of the 20 months of COVID-19 in India. He discussed the major factors which contributed to India’s success in controlling the pandemic. According to him the India’s response to COVID-19 has been stupendous and inspiring across all levels of the country. Further in his talk Prof. Katoch discussed how lethargy, negligence and undue optimism after the first wave of COVID-19 resulted in the emergence of consecutive waves. He also underlined the part which various initiatives such as “Jagrukta abhiyan” played in empowering the population for prevention and timely management of COVID affected persons and discussed the key factors relevant for such awareness programs. He also talked about the importance of Ayurveda and yoga and the role they played in combating the post COVID complications. Prof. Katoch laid an emphasis on the correct use of mask, social distancing, personal hygiene and special care of person in high risk groups since these are the only things which can help in making the entire situation a little less complicated.

            Earlier, Dr. Deepak K. Rahi, Chairman, Department of Microbiology and the organizing secretary of the webinar gave a brief overview of the program and discussed how COVID-19 has deeply affected the society, health system, economy, and government worldwide. He highlighted the fact that a year and a half later there are still so many lessons to be learned from this once-in-a-generation phenomenon.

            Prof. Prince Sharma, summarized the discussions of the webinar in his concluding remarks.

            Dr. Seema Kumari, Assistant Professor, gave vote of thanks.

PU VC meets Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Law and Justice of India

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The Vice Chancellor of Panjab University,Prof Raj Kumar met Sh Kiren Rijiju , Minister of Law and Justice of India, in New Delhi today. He discussed various prospects of the  progress and growth of PU in recent times including its achievements.  

Day 1 of International Conference at UIET

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Chandigarh October 8, 2021

University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Panjab University organised International Conference on Multidisciplinary Aspects of Materials in Engineering (IC-MAME 2021) from 8th and 9th October, 2021 in  hybrid mode. This Conference is a multidisciplinary event covering themes on Innovative research related to Materials in Engineering. It will provide a forum to the best talents from the academia & research institutions, industry experts, management professionals, engineers and executives to collaborate and address the current challenges.

On the first day the conference was inaugurated by Prof. Gautam Biswas, J C  Bose fellow and Professor, Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kanpur. He enlightened the participants on fluid dynamics, viability and meta static potency of cervical cancer cells (HeLa) cells using Micro fluidics and deciphering hydrodynamic and drug-resistant behaviour of metastatic EMT breast cancer cells.

Prof. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, PU emphasised the important role of material science in the field of engineering. He also highlighted the need to come out of their self-centeredness and take up responsibility to build up the institution with the main focus on development of entire country.

The Patron, Prof. JK Goswamy accentuated the need of Nanotechnology. He mentioned Material engineering as the foremost solution in current times and that the schools should adopt material sciences as a part of the curriculum of secondary education.

According to Prof. Renu Vig, Co Patron, this is a great initiative for platform provided for research in material sciences and engineering, which is an attractive area of study, with research ongoing in ceramics, bio materials, polymers, etc.

The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. Sunil Agrawal, UIET who welcomed the dignitaries and participants and vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Rajesh Kumar.

The technical session started with keynote presentation from CSIO-CSIR team lead by Dr. HK Sardana, Principal Scientist CSIO-CSIR on 3D design reconstruction and analysis with emphasis on the pressure and structure suitable for different individuals.

Prof. Mohsen Rahmani, School of Sciences and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, UK, imparted his knowledge on Light matter, Linear, non-linear and sensory metasurfaces, light metal interactions and their application in Nanoscale technologies.

The conference witnessed participation by 100+ students worldwide who gave their presentations on material sciences. The accepted, registered and presented papers of IC-MAME 2021 will be published in the IOP: Materials Science and Engineering Journal. Some Few Selected accepted, registered and presented papers of IC-MAME 2021 on merit basis may be published in Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series C, FME Transactions and Materiale Plastice Journal.

The IC-MAME 2021 programme will include around 12 different thematic sessions and delegates from IIT BHU Varanasi, IIT Madras, IIT Mandi, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, BITS-Pilani, NIT Warangal, NIT Hamirpur, AMU -Aligarh, University of Delhi, Wolkite University -Ethiopia, Jadavpur University, INST Mohali, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, UniversitiTunku Abdul Rahman Malaysia and many more.