Amritsar, July 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Governor of Punjab and Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, said that the true objective of education is not merely to obtain employment, but to prepare such responsible, sensitive, and ethical citizens who contribute actively to the development of society and the nation.
He was addressing the gathering at the 51st Convocation of Guru Nanak Dev University, where degrees were conferred upon 456 students, including 3 students who received the Chancellor’s Medal, 35 meritorious students who were awarded Memorial Medals, 82 research scholars who were conferred Ph.D. degrees, and 336 students who received Graduate and Postgraduate degrees.
On this memorable occasion, Punjab Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh, on behalf of Guru Nanak Dev University, conferred the Honoris Causa Degree upon Jaspreet Singh, a renowned Attorney-at-Law from New York (USA), in recognition of his outstanding achievements and his significant contribution towards the academic development of the country.
Present on the dais were Punjab Higher Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Additional Principal Secretary Shri Vivek Pratap Singh (IAS), Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Harvinder Singh Saini, Registrar Prof. K.S. Chahal, besides members of the Senate and the Syndicate. Also present on the occasion were members of the Academic Council, Deans, Heads of the Departments, faculty members, officers, employees, students, their parents and other distinguished guests. Among those present were Member of Parliament Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Raj Kumar Chabewal, MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Mayor Jatinder Singh Bhatia, and Executive Member of the SGPC Rajinder Singh Mehta.
The Governor said that the institution from which you graduate today and step into the wider world is far more than a university. It is a distinguished centre of higher learning, research, and values that has nurtured generations of talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation and the global community.
Guru Nanak Dev University was established in 1969 to commemorate the 500th birth anniversary of the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Its establishment was not merely the creation of another institution of higher learning; it represented a national resolve to strengthen and advance the cultural, spiritual, and educational heritage of Punjab and the nation. Throughout its illustrious journey spanning more than five decades, the University has carved a distinct place for itself both in India and abroad by achieving remarkable milestones in education, research, sports, culture, and social responsibility.
He said that the University’s founding vision has always been to promote quality higher education, excellence in research, human values, and social responsibility. Its unique work culture, rooted in the harmonious integration of knowledge, character, and service, has transformed it into a vibrant centre of multidisciplinary education, innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and global collaboration, fully aligned with the spirit and aspirations of the National Education Policy 2020.
Gulab Chand Kataria said that we must always remember that the responsibility of a university extends far beyond educating students and awarding degrees. A university shapes the intellectual and moral consciousness of society and provides it with a clear sense of direction.
It preserves our rich cultural heritage while nurturing a scientific temper among the younger generation. It is within these institutions that democratic values are strengthened, the fabric of social harmony is woven, and the foundations of the nation’s economic progress are firmly laid. In essence, universities shape the very soul of the nation.
He said that as we look at the world today, India stands at a defining moment in history, with one of the youngest populations everywhere on the globe. This demographic dividend is among our nation’s greatest strengths.
If our universities continue to evolve into globally recognized centres of excellence in education, cutting-edge research, and innovation, our collective aspiration of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047 will undoubtedly become a reality. The National Education Policy 2020 forms the cornerstone of this transformative journey by reconnecting our youth with their cultural roots while simultaneously preparing them to become responsible global citizens.
He said that from this august platform, I have certain expectations from Guru Nanak Dev University. I am confident that in the years to come, this institution will emerge not only as one of the country’s foremost centres of advanced learning and research but also as a globally recognized hub of academic excellence.
I am equally confident that it will continue to break new ground in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, Agricultural Innovation, Indian Knowledge Systems, Digital Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Global Research, while playing a pioneering role in realizing the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ (Developed India 2047).
While addressing especially the Students, the Governor said that as you celebrate this memorable milestone in your lives today, I urge you to pause for a moment and reflect upon those whose unwavering support has made your educational journey possible. Your success is undoubtedly the outcome of your own hard work and determination, but it is equally built upon the countless sacrifices of your parents, the dedicated guidance of your teachers, and the invaluable support of society.
It is, therefore, the responsibility of each one of you to give back to society in meaningful ways. Whether you choose to become entrepreneurs who generate employment, scientists who drive innovation, public servants who dedicate themselves to the welfare of the people, or philanthropists committed to social service, let your education become a powerful instrument for empowering the underprivileged and transforming lives.
Congratulating Punjab Higher Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and the entire Punjabi community present on the occasion, he said that always remember that while a degree certifies your academic qualifications, it is your personality that will define your true identity. Your integrity, compassion, conduct, and unwavering commitment to serving the nation are the qualities that will ultimately determine your greatness. True success is not measured merely by the size of your salary; it is reflected in your ability to become an exemplary citizen and, above all, a good human being.
He said that I firmly believe that our youth, eager to learn, intellectually agile, and driven by an innovative spirit, constitute the nation’s greatest strength. If they combine their knowledge with creativity, determination, integrity, and a deep sense of social responsibility, they will possess the power to transform every challenge into an opportunity and make an enduring contribution towards building a more inclusive, prosperous, and developed India.
Appreciating the contributions being made by Jaspreet Singh towards his university, Punjab and the nation, the Governor said that this proud occasion is not merely a celebration of the achievements of our students; it is also a tribute to the years of sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering faith of their parents.
Behind every degree awarded today lies a story of countless sacrifices, silent struggles, and heartfelt prayers. On this memorable occasion, I pay my heartfelt tribute to all the parents whose values, perseverance, and selfless devotion have enabled their children to become capable, responsible, and compassionate citizens, thereby enriching our nation.
Expressing happiness over the higher number of female students among those receiving the honours degree, he said that students are the foundation of development. He stated that if there is any kind of deviation in the life paths of students or children, then their parents and teachers need to reflect upon it seriously.
He said that the foundation of every student’s personality is laid by the values instilled by their parents, while their aspirations are shaped and elevated through the knowledge imparted by their teachers. The achievements of every student present here today stand as a testament to the combined dedication of both. The values they have inherited and the education they have received will continue to guide them throughout their lives and constantly remind them of their responsibilities towards the nation.
On this occasion, Harjot Singh Bains, while referring to the glorious heritage of Punjab, the Punjabi language and Punjabi culture, said that Punjab is progressing not only in the field of education but also in many other sectors. He said that while Guru Nanak Dev University has secured the number one position in higher education, Punjab has also surpassed Kerala to achieve the top position in school education. He remarked, “It is no longer ‘Udta Punjab’; it is now ‘Parhda Punjab’.”
After receiving the Honoris Causa Degree, Jaspreet Singh thanked the Hon’ble Governor, the Vice-Chancellor and the Guru Nanak Dev University family. He said that Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh is working wholeheartedly to take Guru Nanak Dev University to greater heights and that during his interactions with him, the Vice-Chancellor is always exploring possibilities for establishing academic collaborations between Guru Nanak Dev University and universities abroad.
He further said that the overseas Punjabi community has always remained committed to the progress and prosperity of the country and Punjab.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh, expressing happiness and congratulating the students, welcomed the Chief Guest Punjab Governor, special guests, and all those present, and said that Guru Nanak Dev University has been committed to quality education, research, innovation, and social responsibility since its inception.
Appreciating Hon’ble Gulab Chand Kataria for his significant role in the fight against drugs in Punjab, especially in border areas, Prof. Karamjeet Singh said that through regular visits to villages, awareness marches, foot marches, and social-outreach programs, he ensured the active participation of people in the anti-drug campaign. Under his leadership, campaigns like “Drug-Free Punjab” and “War Against Drugs” gained great momentum. He said that, apart from this, Kataria regularly holds public durbars at Lok Bhawan to resolve the grievances of citizens and encourages accountable administration.
Welcoming Higher Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, he said that the Punjab government is contributing significantly to the development of Punjab in the field of education. On this occasion, he welcomed Mr. Vivek Pratap Singh, I.A.S., and praised the services being rendered by him.
Welcoming Jaspreet Singh, he said that it is a matter of pride for us to honor the outstanding achievements of Richmond Hill, New York (USA) based renowned Attorney-at-Law Jaspreet Singh. He said that this expert, with over 24 years of experience in the field of American immigration law, has successfully handled more than ten thousand immigration cases and provided invaluable support to thousands of Punjabi families.
Known as a strong bridge between the Punjabi immigrant community and the American legal system, Jaspreet Singh has made significant contributions to discussions regarding immigration policy and reforms. His achievements include election to the New Jersey Governing Council, appointment to the New Jersey Transition Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force, and inclusion in the ‘Burj Global Power 100’ in Washington D.C. As a unique alumnus of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, he has expressed his deep commitment to education and research by promising to donate 5 crore rupees for the Sikh Studies Chair and 20 lakh rupees for Ph.D. scholarships. He has also donated land in California for the establishment of an overseas campus of the university.
He said that Guru Nanak Dev University, dedicated to the 500th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was established with the objective of promoting education based on knowledge, character, compassion, and selfless service. Guided by the eternal principles of Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, and Wand Chako, the university is continuously striving to prepare socially responsible, ethically endowed, and globally competent citizens along with achieving excellence in education.
He said that during the past year, the university has made significant progress in the academic field, research, innovation, international collaboration, digital transformation, student welfare, sports, and social participation. These achievements have further strengthened our unique identity among India’s leading higher education institutions and have made our presence strongly felt at the national and international levels.
He said that the university has maintained the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation with a score of 3.85 out of 4.00. This is the only Category-1 university in Punjab which is recognized by the University Grants Commission and it also has the status of “University with Potential for Excellence”.
At the international level, it has been included in the top 10 percent of universities in the world by the Center for World University Rankings. In the W.U.R.I. rankings, it has achieved 78th position globally under the University Brand and Reputation category, which reflects its growing academic reputation and social impact. The University’s Department of Sports Medicine and Science has also been awarded the National Best Institution Award for its outstanding contribution to sports education and scientific research.
Prof. Karamjeet Singh informed that the university, taking another historic step, has approved the “Punjabi-First Education, Research, and Administration Policy–2026”, under which the path has been opened to use Punjabi as a language of research along with English, and its role in higher education, administration, and knowledge creation has been further strengthened. On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, the book “Introduction to Martyrdom: The Legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji” was released by the university, which highlights the eternal message of the Guru’s sacrifice, freedom, human dignity, and global community.
He said that our commitment to social responsibility has also remained equally strong. With the support of the Punjab government, the university played an active role in the “War Against Drugs” campaign and contributed to solving social challenges.
In the field of research, the Physics Department established an important milestone by achieving a place among the 23 premier institutions selected to establish a Quantum Technology Laboratory under the National Quantum Mission. Apart from this, the university further strengthened its international identity in the field of research by receiving an industry-sponsored research project from Horiba Limited, Japan.
At the last, Prof. Harvinder Singh Saini, Dean Academic Affairs, presented the vote of thanks.
FOLLOW NOW
