GNDU takes step towards inclusive education

Prof Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, with a strong commitment to inclusive education, shares his vision for empowering Punjab’s youth. He highlights the university’s new initiatives aimed at addressing educational disparities and creating opportunities for students from rural and border areas:

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Punjab’s youth stand at a crossroads, caught between aspirations for a better future and the harsh realities of limited opportunities. The recent deportations from the United States have once again brought to light the deep-rooted issue of migration driven by economic distress and lack of access to quality education and employment.

Thousands of young people, often lured by agents promising overseas jobs and educational opportunities, find themselves in precarious situations. The root cause of this exodus lies in limited educational mobility and employment prospects within Punjab.

At Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), we recognise the urgency of addressing these challenges and have taken a decisive step by introducing a 5% reservation for students from Punjab’s border and rural areas. This policy is not just about numbers; it is about equity, empowerment, and reversing the brain drain that has long plagued Punjab.

Rural and border communities face unique adversities—scarce educational infrastructure, economic hardships, and limited exposure to career opportunities. Many of these students possess immense potential but lack the means to compete on an equal footing with their urban counterparts. By reserving 5% of seats for them, we are levelling the playing field and ensuring that talent, not privilege, determines success.

The border districts of Punjab have historically been among the most underserved. With frequent geopolitical tensions, lack of industrial growth, and weaker educational facilities, young people from these areas often struggle to access premier institutions. Many are forced to seek opportunities abroad, sometimes through illegal channels, leading to distressing outcomes such as deportation or exploitation.

Our reservation policy is a direct intervention—an attempt to redefine aspirations and expand opportunities so that Punjab’s youth do not feel compelled to leave their homeland in search of a better future. This initiative aligns with GNDU’s broader mission of inclusive excellence and social justice.