Punjabi singer Gurdas Mann was today conferred honorary doctorate by Punjabi University Patiala at the 36th convocation function here. Congratulating Dr. Surindra Singh Bandu, and Dr. Gurdas Man on whom degrees of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa have been conferred by the university, Governor Shivraj Patil said that the contribution of renowned Punjabi singer Dr.Gurdas Mann in the field of music and Punjabi Cinema was not only recognized by the Punjabi University but his contribution was recognized by the bigger University i.e. entire society for which the degree of Doctor of Literature (Honris causa) was conferred on him by this University.
Punjab Governor and Chancellor, Shivraj V. Patil, while presiding over the 36th Convocation of Punjabi University, Patiala, exhorted the students, faculty members and professors of the Punjabi University to embark on a goal-oriented research and teaching which would enable Punjabi youth to take up the challenges of the State leading to national development. Lauding the role of Vice Chancellor and faculty of the only University in the world to be named after a language after the Hebrew University of Israel, Patil, said that this University is unique which helps the students to study language, religions, science and technology, international relevance and other subjects, which helps the new generation to be able to deal with different aspects of life. He said in the world, many languages are spoken and used.
In fact, languages have united human beings living in certain areas of the world. We should not fail to understand and respect qualities of other languages also. When such an attitude is developed, languages can become rich in beauty and effectiveness, he added. The Chancellor said that this university facilitates the study of religions also, which makes man more human, and assist him to live in tune with nature and unites the human beings with the Almighty. He said in the present day world, if all religions are studied and understood in a correct manner, they may not cause conflicts, wars and bloodshed between the followers of different religions. That is why, he said this university which is helping the students to understand the essence of religions, is helping to create amity, understanding, peace and tranquility in the world.
Presenting Chancellors Medal to Khushpreet Kaur, Patil also congratulated the students who have received degrees, gold medals, and awards ,and wished them , all the best in their future lives. Describing, the University faculty as instruments of change, the chancellor called upon academicians, educationists and intellectuals to develop action-oriented and progressive programmes, to encourage youth to achieve academic brilliance and take the state forward on the fast track of growth and development.
He said that knowledge is unlimited and infact knowledge is something which is very powerful. He said that he was very happy that this University is teaching many languages in this University. He said that there was no other powerful mean of communication then the language. He said in his opinion this University is imparting holistic knowledge to the student. Later on, the Punjab Governor visited to the house of Raj Bachan Singh Sandhu, ADC to Governor, Punjab and spent about half an hour there along with Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Punjab. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Shri Parminder Singh Dhinds, Finance Minister, Punjab, Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, Professor Mushirul Hasan, Director General National Archives of India, S. Tarlochan Singh and renowned Punjabi poet Dr. Surjit Patar.