Webinar on World Environment Day at PU

Chandigarh June 2, 2021

The office of Dean International Students in collaboration with Department of Sociology ,Panjab University  and support from Department of History and Department of Environmental Studies, organized a national webinar on “India’s Response to Global Call ,Paris Agreement UN SDG-13 and COP -26 to celebrate World Environment Day , by Dr Srikanta K.Panigrahi ,Director General ,Indian Institute of Sustainable  Development(IISD),New Delhi.

The webinar was initiated by Prof Anju Suri , Dean International Students who highlighted the significance of environment and its protection especially during covid times as this is a crisis period which may have purified the air and improved environment due to presence of  lockdowns but she showed her concern about the worsening of environmental situation once the lockdowns are no more.

Prof Rani Mehta, Chairperson, Department of Sociology  introduced the dignitaries, emphasized on the uniqueness of planet Earth which provides life to several micro organisms ,plants and animals including Human beings. She also raised the issue of vulnerability of ecosystems to environmental damage through the modernization processes of industrislization, urbanization, technological advancements etc.

Prof Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, PU in his inaugural address mentioned in a very practical and pragmatic way the importance of protecting the environment and highlighted the role which each individual can play in bringing about sustainability by following simple easy steps such as planting trees , removing garbage, switching off lights when not in use and his goal oriented approach also focused on the need to move from individual to community level for saving the environment . He wonderfully articulated the significance of a cleaner and greener campus for better work environment.

Dr Srikanta Panigrahi gave a very comprehensive and detailed analysis of the reasons for climate change which happens through the emission of greenhouse gases released from vehicles and industries  and is seen in the form of global warming as well as rising temperatures which cause floods ,storms, decrease in food production and extinction of flora and fauna species. He also threw light on India’s role in combating climate change by discussing about the mission approach in India which gives more importance to carbon management, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture etc. He also described about India’s INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions ) to healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation. According to him, the problem of developed countries is over consumerism and for developing countries it is lack of cost effective technology . Thus, there is a need to have collective efforts and two important aspects – togetherness and innovation  for achieving sustainable development.

The talk was followed by a vibrant question answer session conducted by Dr Suman Mor, Chairperson ,Department of Environmental Studies . The Vote of thanks was presented by Dr Priyatosh Sharma, Chairperson, Department of History. The webinar was well attended by participants from the region. 

PU Extends Measures to Curb Corona till 9th June

Chandigarh June 1, 2021

The Committee constituted for  reviewing the status of COVID-19 cases in Panjab University,  met today and on the basis of recommendations, the competent authority has approved following measures to contain the spread of ongoing Corona pandemic, to be observed by all the offices of the Panjab University from 01.06.2021 to 09.06.2021.: – 

1.    The Office timings of the University shall be observed from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. up to 09.06.2021 with 50% staff strength. However, the Controlling Officers/Heads of the Branches/Departments may call the staff beyond 2.00 p.m., depending upon the exigency of the work, by staggering the timings, while ensuring that the attendance of staff at any time should not exceed the stipulated limit of 50% of strength.  Officers of the level of Office Superintendent and above shall attend the office on daily basis.

2.    The remaining non-attending 50% staff shall work from home under the instructions of their Controlling Officers and they shall remain available through e-modes, i.e., telephone, e-mail, video conference, etc.

3.    No staff shall leave the station without the prior sanction of the Controlling Officer.

4.    There shall not be any public dealing up to 09.06.2021 except with the prior appointment of the concerned HOD that too for urgent issues only.

5.    With respect to Field Workers, the concerned Heads of the Department/Office may take a decision to stagger their timings/strength, if required, keeping in view the COVID-19 protocols.

Session on the ‘Significance of E resources in Research’ by PU

Chandigarh June 1, 2021

An online session on the ‘significance of E resources in Research’ was organized by the Department of Political Science which was open for the researchers of Panjab University departments. Dr Neeraj K Singh, Deputy Librarian of the AC Joshi Library, Panjab University as the resource person made a presentation enabling the researchers, many of them in their hometowns due to Covid situation, to have an introduction to the facilities available in the university library . He made them aware of the library automation and RFID system developed by the university library.

 More importantly, he also gave them hands-on instruction as to how to avail these very useful e-resources available through the university which Panjab university has got access to by paying huge user fees. These include the UGC-CARE journals including the international Journals published by SAGE, Cambridge University Press, among others.  He referred to the significance of online database in getting access to the research materials available on the Panjab University platforms.

Besides, Neeraj Singh gave the researchers a live demonstration of several login platforms logging which they can have open access to the thousands of research articles and reference books without paying any user charges on their own.

The session was attended by 99 researchers and students from different departments of Panjab University.

तकनीकी शिक्षा को 8 भारतीय भाषाओं में पढ़ाए जाने का निर्णय महत्वपूर्ण तथा स्वागत योग्य: अभाविप

सोमवार 31. 05. 2021

             अखिल भारतीय विद्यार्थी परिषद, तकनीकी शिक्षा को अगले अकादमिक सत्र से 8 भारतीय भाषाओं में पढ़ाए जाने का अखिल भारतीय तकनीकी शिक्षा परिषद के निर्णय को महत्वपूर्ण मानती है तथा इसका अभिनंदन करती है। अभाविप ने 2016 में शिक्षा मंत्री (तत्कालीन मानव संसाधन विकास मंत्री) को दिए ज्ञापन में यह माँग की थी जो आज साकार हो रही है।

      अखिल भारतीय तकनीकी शिक्षा परिषद का यह निर्णय विशेषतः ग्रामीण तथा जनजातीय क्षेत्रों के युवाओं के लिये महत्वपूर्ण तथा लाभप्रद सिद्ध होगा तथा ग्रामीण और पिछड़े इलाकों के छात्रों के सपनों को साकार करने में सहायक होगा।

      तकनीकी शिक्षा की उपलब्धता भारतीय भाषाओं में न होने के कारण पिछड़े, ग्रामीण तथा जनजातीय क्षेत्रों के छात्र इससे वंचित रह जाते थे। तकनीकी शिक्षा की पढ़ाई मुख्यतः अंग्रेजी भाषा में होने के कारण अंग्रेजी में किंचित असहज अनुभव करने वाले छात्र मानसिक दबाव में शिक्षा ग्रहण करते थे तथा इसी असहजता के कारण तकनीकी शिक्षा से दूर हो जाते थे। अखिल भारतीय तकनीकी संस्थान के इस निर्णय से अब लाखों छात्र तकनीकी शिक्षा को ग्रहण कर पाएंगे तथा देश व समाज के विकास में अपनी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा पाएंगे।

        अभाविप के प्रदेश मंत्री सुमित जागलान जी ने कहा की, “अभाविप की लम्बे समय से माँग कर रही है की मातृ भाषा में शिक्षा मिले। राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति में भी भारतीय भाषाओं में शिक्षा की उपलब्धता पर जोर दिया है। ए.आई.सी.टी.ई. पाठ्यक्रम को जल्द से जल्द सभी भाषाओं में उपलब्ध करवाये, जिससे यह निर्णय जल्द से जल्द लागू हो।”

Shorter Duration On The Cards For 12th Board Exams

Medhavi  Sharma  – 29  MAY, 2021 :

Central Board of Secondary Education is likely to announce the class 12 Board Exam 2021 dates for the awaited exams by 1st June, 2021 . Two possible option were contemplated to hold the board examination,  one of them being, to conduct exams for a few major subjects and  awarding marks for the rest on the basis of that. Another alternative  which was discussed was to hold exams at self-centres, meaning the  respective schools with exam pattern changing to objective type of  questions. Education Ministry had also asked the states to provide their specific feedbacks on the proposal by 25 May. However different states have  distinct situations, Most of the states are in favour of conducting the  exams in July-August, in a shorter format, only four states including  Maharashtra, Delhi, Goa and Andaman & Nicobar are disinclined towards  carrying out examination and have exacted to vaccinate students and  teachers before holding the exams.  

Mr. Rajeev Karkra

While the public is having equivocal and muddled opinions on this  decision.  Teachers have hailed the option for objective type of  examinations considering the future of the students in view. “Totally  advocating the decision of conducting class 12th Board exams, else the  equilibrium between the professional lives will be disturbed” Says Mr. Rajneesh Kumar, a teacher of Saupin’s School ,Chandigarh.  Students need to buckle up, begin to clarify their doubts and brush up  their concepts, “Exams should certainly happen, else it will take a toll on a  child’s future” was remarked by Mr. Rajeev Karkra, a commerce teacher. 

Ms. Indu  Jaspal

While most of the teachers acclaim the decision, a few of them having  distinct opinions, state that objective type of examination is not worth  taking the risk, “Objective type of exams are of little significance, as it neither solves the purpose of evaluating true knowledge of a student, nor  establishes the ground for a successful professional career” says Ms. Indu  Jaspal, a government English teacher.  

Ms. Anita Sharma

Jumbled school of thoughts were observed from the parents too, few are  not happy and in favour of the thought for conducting the exams,  considering the safety of their children. “Not denying the fact, that 12th board exams are of utmost importance for a student, but also keeping in  mind the unforeseeable and unprecedented times we are currently living  in, it is very difficult for us as parents to put lives of our children in  jeopardy” exclaims Ms. Anita Sharma

Ms. Jaswinder Kaur

Safety and lives of children and teachers are of paramount importance  considering the view of conducting exams in such an unreal situation.  “We don’t want to risk lives of our children, the world seems staggering  right now, exams can wait” exclaims Ms. Paramjeet Kaur.  Pondering on the professional lives of children, few parents extoll the  decision, “I am in utter support for the exams being held, keeping in mind  the future of my child” says Ms. Jaswinder Kaur.  

Shivom Saini

While the students have different concerns, as many of them commented  that before contemplation of board exams, there is a dire need for  physical classes to resume for being assessed and doubt solving. “We  have not had practical classes in the year- in such a situation, conducting  board exams seems superfluous” says Shivom Saini, a medical student. 

Arshjot Singh

Class 12th Board Exams are being postponed from quite a while now, few  students are now desperate to vent out their learnings, “ My future  seems under the cloud and very blurry right now, I’m not sure what the  final decision is going to be, but I’m prepared for the exams and in total  favour of them” was stated by Arshjot Singh, a commerce student.  

Navdeep Chauhan

Navdeep Chauhan pursuing humanities, takes due account on the present  Covid situation and remarks that, “offline exams should not be  conducted, because the situation of COVID-19 in our country is  worsening. Even objective type of exams will lead to huge gatherings, which can cause a massive spread of the virulent virus” 

With different opinions, there is a baffling wave amongst those who may  get affected by this decision, however there is no official confirmation  from the ministry of education as of yet.

An Online National conference on COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis

Chandigarh May 29, 2021

The Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh organized a national online conference on “COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis (CAM)-Are We Doorstep Away From Next Pandemic: Facts and Myths” today to spread awareness amongst general public about the COVID-19 associated mucormycosis.  

The webinar was  coordinated by Mr. Khem Raj Thakur, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, PU. Dr. Deepak K. Rahi, Chairman and the organizing secretary of the webinar gave a brief overview of the program and discussed how COVID-19 has become an unsolved puzzle which is getting more and more complex with the advent of mucormycosis. He emphasized that there are many myths and misconceptions about mucormycosis circulating among the general public which need to be addressed and clarified.

Prof. V.R. Sinha, Dean University Instructions gave a brief overview of the post-COVID complications, how they can be treated and emphasized that it is the role of the experts to spread awareness among people and put an end to various myths and misconceptions being spread.

The conference was divided into three technical sessions. In the first technical session, Chaired by Prof. Vijay Prabha, Department of Microbiology, PU a talk on “Mucor and Its Biology” was delivered by Dr. Nipun Silawat, Principal Scientist, M.P. Council of Science and Technology, Bhopal. Dr. Silawat highlighted that mucormycosis is not a new disease but it is a very rare fungal infection which for the first time has been declared as an epidemic. It existed even before the pandemic however the present conditions have favored the proliferation of this organism resulting in infection.  He also discussed the predisposing factors such as which are responsible for the outbreak of mucormycosis. He highlighted that Mucormycosis is more lethal than COVID-19 with a lethal rate of 30-50 % and that there is a need to inform people about the present situation. He urged the audience to not become one’s own doctor and to see a specialist immediately if any symptoms appear.

In the second technical session chaired by Prof. Praveen Rishi, Department of Microbiology a talk on “Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management of Mucormycosis in light of COVID-19 Pandemic” was delivered by Dr. Shivaprakash M. Rudramurthy, Senior Professor, Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER. He explained the complications associated with COVID-19 and discussed the epidemiology of COVID associated mucormycosis. Dr. Shivaprakash highlighted that 95-98 percent of the present mucormycosis are caused by the Rhizophus sp. and mainly by Rhizophus arrhizus. He discussed that the sudden increase in the occurrence of CAM, could be possibly due to increased use of steroids, presence of comorbidities and immunosuppression.He discussed in detail about the treatment effective against the mucorales and the preventive measures which should be followed to limit the occurrence of this disease. He emphasized that control on diabetes and controlled use of steroids can to very extent prevent the increased incidences of the infection.

In the third technical sessions Chaired by Prof. Kusum Harjai, Department of Microbiology,  a talk on “Host-pathogen interplay in Mucormycosis” was delivered by Dr. Manpreet Dhaliwal, DHR Women Scientist, Advanced Pediatrics Center, PGIMER. She discussed how closely mucormycosis is related to diabetes in India and how invasive mucormycosis is a life-threatening, angioinvasive infection which can result into death unless prompt therapy is constituted. She also discussed the pathogenic strategy of Mucorales with special emphasis on fungal recognition by the host immune system and comment on the long-standing association of increased mucormycosis incidence in uncontrolled diabetics.

The three technical sessions were followed by concluding remarks by Dr. Deepak K. Rahi, Chairman and Organizing secretary who highlighted all the major points regarding mucormucosis from the delivered talks. The conference ended with a vote of thanks which was delivered by Dr. Seema Kumari, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Panjab University.

UIPS, Panjab University held an expert Talk series

Chandigarh May 29, 2021

Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), Panjab Branch in association with University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & DST funded Technology Enabling Centre (TEC) Panjab University, Chandigarh organized a webinar on “Pharmaceutical Production Excellence in Regulatory Scenario” by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, President-Formulations, IPCA Laboratories Ltd. under the aegis of UIPS Expert Talk Series,today.

 

Professor Indu Pal Kaur, Chairperson,UIPS; Secretary, IPA Panjab Branch and President IIC-IPS extended a cordial welcome to the audience and introduced the distinguished speaker.

Professor O. P. Katare, President, IPA, Punjab Branch emphasized upon the need for quality production of drugs under high pressure global regulations. 

Professor V R Sinha, Dean of University Instruction,  Panjab University,  highlighted the  India’s  contribution by value (20 %)  to the global generics, with Indian products contributing to 40 % by volume of US drugs. He stressed upon the immense opportunity for India to take a leapfrog using the impetus provided by Covid-19 and to truly play the role of “pharmacy of the world”. 

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha shared his expert knowledge and views on how process understanding and streamlining; risk based thinking; decision making and establishment of a continuous improvement culture can enhance production excellence. Further it encompasses the need to serve patients by providing safe and effective medicines without an interruption in supply. He emphasized upon the fact that digital transformation, focused equipment and process improvement is going to provide a huge boost to process excellence in pharmaceutical industry. At the end he sensitized that it is high time to revisit the role of Pharmacists in healthcare.  

Dr Vandana Patrawale, Professor ICT Mumbai; Professor Sanjay Jain, Head of the Department, Sagar University, M.P. and Dr Rajinder Harna Ex Assistant Drug Controller were among the distinguished guests, who steered the discussion to several relevant points of future scope of pharmacy professionals and environment control in pharma industry. 

Professor Bhupinder Singh Bhoop, Ex President, IPA, Punjab Branch  concluded the session by sharing his prudent thoughts. 

Over 100 participants attended the webinar. The session evoked excellent response among participants witnessed by an interactive Q/A session.

The Advanced Mass Spectrometer facility inaugurated at SAIF, PU

Chandigarh May 27, 2021

Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility, Panjab University has added another High end instrument in its basket. The advanced Mass spectrometer “MALDI Synapt XS HD Mass Spectrometer facility was inaugurated by Professor Raj Kumar, Vice-Chancellor PU. 

Professor G R Chaudhary, Director SAIF and Dr. Ramesh Sharma said that the instrument is equipped with  Electron Spray Ionization (ESI) as well as Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization(MALDI) source and has Ultrahigh liquid  Chromatography(UPLC) and Nanospray as the inlet options. Ion mobility and Electron-transfer dissociation features give an edge to instruments for advanced research. This configuration is the first of its kind in the country as this will record diversified types of samples from small to macro molecules such as biological protein, peptide bacteria and fungus

Professor Raj Kumar appreciated the efforts of the Director and staff of SAIF for working effortlessly even in the difficult time of this  Pandemic situation. He also apprised the scientists present there about the achievement of SAIF in the last year where this department has analyzed the highest number of samples among all the SAIF centers in the country.

 The scientists present on the occasion appreciated the installation of high-end mass spectrometers and of the view that this addition will enhance their research many fold. Those present included

Prof. V.R. Sinha, Dean University Instructions, Prof. S.K. Tomar, Dean Student Weflare, Prof. Sukhvir Kaur DSW(Women), Prof. Anupama Sharma, Dean Alumni, Prof. Navneet Agnihotri, Prof. Ranju Bansal, Dr. Avneet Saini, Dr. Deepak Rahi, Dr. Vishal Sharma .

अखिल भारतीय विद्यार्थी परिषद ने परीक्षा, प्रवेश एवं सत्र के सन्दर्भ में शिक्षा मंत्री को भेजा ज्ञापन

हरयाणा – 26-5-2021

  • छात्रों की सुरक्षा एवं भविष्य का विचार कर हो 12वीं की परीक्षा का निर्णय: अभाविप
  • परीक्षा, प्रवेश एवं सत्र के सन्दर्भ में शिक्षा मंत्री को भेजा ज्ञापन

अखिल भारतीय विद्यार्थी परिषद का मानना है कि कोरोना परिस्थिति के कारण टाली गयी 12वीं की बोर्ड परीक्षाओं के आयोजन पर केंद्र एवं राज्य सरकार विद्यार्थियों के सुरक्षा एवं भविष्य को ध्यान रख कर निर्णय करे। परिस्थिति को ध्यान रखते हुये सरकार नवीन प्रयोगों जैसे कम समयावधि की परीक्षा, प्रमुख विषयों की परीक्षा, ओपन बुक परीक्षा आदि के माध्यम से परीक्षा का आयोजन शारीरिक दूरी का पालन कर आगामी जुलाई-अगस्त में हो सकता है, इसी दिशा में कुछ राज्य सरकारों ने भी निर्णय किये हैं।
अभाविप का मत है कि केंद्र एवं राज्य सरकारें जल्दबाज़ी ना दिखाते हुये विद्यार्थियों के भविष्य को ध्यान में रख कर निर्णय करे। जिस तरह से कोरोना के मामले कम हो रहे हैं ऐसी स्थिति में निकट माह जुलाई/अगस्त में शारीरिक दूरी का पालन पर कम समयकाल में परीक्षाओं का आयोजन हो सकता है।
महाविद्यालयों एवं विश्वविद्यालयों में विगत वर्ष की भाँति पाठ्यक्रम को कम करके अंतिम वर्ष के विद्यार्थियों का मूल्यांकन करना, प्रमुख विश्वविद्यालयों एवं महाविद्यालयों में आयोजित होने वाली एक दिवसीय प्रवेश परीक्षाओं को परीक्षा केंद्र की संख्या बढ़ाकर जुलाई/अगस्त माह में आयोजित करना, महाविद्यालय एवं विश्वविद्यालयों परिसरों में टीकाकरण केंद्रो को बढ़ाना, मेडिकल एवं चिकित्सा पाठ्यक्रमों में सीटें बढ़ाना, आगामी सत्र सितम्बर/अक्तूबर माह से प्रारंभ करना आदि सुझावों को शिक्षा मंत्री को भेजे पत्र में सम्मिलित किया है।
एबीवीपी के प्रांत मंत्री सुमित जागलान ने कहा कि, “राज्य के अधिकतर विश्वविद्यालयों में स्नातक कक्षाओं में प्रवेश मेरिट लिस्ट के आधार पर होता है, ऐसे में 12वीं कक्षा के विद्यार्थियों का मूल्यांकन महत्वपूर्ण है। केंद्र एवं राज्य सरकारों को विद्यार्थियों की सुरक्षा, स्वास्थ्य एवं शैक्षणिक भविष्य को ध्यान रख कर न्यायोचित निर्णय करना चाहिये जिससे भविष्य में किसी प्रकार की समस्या का सामना विद्यार्थियों को ना करना पड़े।”

WEBINAR SERIES “MIND MARATHON” AT UIFT & VD – “EXPLORING ANXIETY: STRESSORS AND COPING”

Chandigarh May 26, 2021

University Institute of Fashion Technology & Vocational Development, (UIFT & VD), Panjab University started with a webinar series titled “Mind Marathon” on May 25, 2021. “This series has been launched at a time when there is a lot of anxiety and other mental health difficulties, and it will help not only students but society as a whole,” said Dr. Anu H. Gupta, Chairperson . The webinar drew around 90 people, including faculty from various institutions and colleges, research experts, and students.

The speaker for the first webinar in this series titled “Exploring Anxiety: Stressors and Coping” was Dr. Sheba Singh, a consultant psychologist in Nahar Medical Centre and an academician from Mumbai.  She discussed the technical aspects of the anxiety’s operation. In light of the challenging times of this second wave of Covid 19, she entailed a discourse of the new anxieties developing in the health workers, patients, students and their family members. Her experience of 20 years in the field of psychology reflected in her simplified approach of making a dialogue with the students undergoing signs of anxiety and depression. An explanation on the Covid stress consisting of different stages viz. pre-Covid, during Covid, and post-Covid helped the audience to recognize the need of coping with these for better mental health. All participants took part in a practical activity in which they measured their stress levels. She elaborated a number of self-help techniques, including allied practices like deep breathing, yoga, exercise, listening to music, planning an activity calendar in advance and following it, and keeping in touch with friends and family members on a regular basis.

Ms. Harleen, Faculty UIFT & VD, appreciated and thanked Dr. Sheba for enlightening the participants with perspective on several areas of anxiety and how to overcome it. This webinar served as a forum for students to open up about their tumultuous mental states and seek help in managing. The session proved to be a great source of information for awakening oneself towards a healthy mind. It was a welcome call for many, who have always needed to be heard about their emotions and suppressed feelings.