Punjabi University honours women for contribution to science

Patiala, March 7

Punjabi University organised an event on the topic ‘Women in Science: A Journey and a Celebration’ to commemorate International Women’s Day.

During the event, the “Dr Himender Bharti Scholarship for research on the restoration of the ecosystem of Punjab” was announced in addition to a seat for a PhD, which has been sanctioned by the university under CRESP. This was followed by a talk from Dr Neelima Jerath (Expert/Consultant, Science Communication) on ‘The Ecological Challenges of Punjab’. She addressed the diminishing land under forest in the region and the deteriorating water quality in Punjab’s rivers, advocating for the consideration of surface water over the exploitation of groundwater.

Women from the university were felicitated at the event for their contribution to science. These luminaries included Dr Raj Mittal Singla from the Physics Department; Dr Ravinder Pal Kaur Sandhu, Zoology and Environmental Sciences Department; Dr Manjit Kaur Sidhu, Botany Department; Dr Aruna Bhatia, Biotechnology and Food Technology Department; Dr Parveen Singhal from the Human Genetics Department.

Discussion on Sufi music and Punjab

At a discussion organised on Sufi music and Punjab, Vice-Chancellor Arvind emphasised following the life and principles of Baba Farid. Addressing a webinar titled “Sufi Music and Punjab,” he said whether one reads the Namaz, performs yoga, or listens to music, all these paths connect with God.

The webinar started with a welcome address by Prof Mohammad Habib of Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad. Mentioning the spiritual merits of various Sufi personalities and Sikh Gurus, he shed light on the real Sufi philosophy and told them that worship of God is done by connecting with God from the heart and not by performing some religious rituals.

After this, Professor Nashir Naqvi, Founder Director of Baba Farid Sufi Centre, expressed his views and showed the importance of music close to Sufis. He emphasised the importance of Qawwali.