Latest news with #SatbirSinghGosal
Hindustan Times
31-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Journalism dept at PAU sees surge in applications
After struggling to keep the classroom not empty, the department of journalism at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has seen a turnaround as the applications to MA journalism and mass communication course have gone up to more than twice the number of seats. The department's MA course has seven seats and starting in the late 2010s it started to see a fall in the number of students and the class strength fell to just one student last year. This year the department already has 15 applications. The turnaround for the department is part of the rise in the number of applications for courses across the Varsity. The rise in the number of applications have been attributed to the change in immigration rules to Canada after the friction between the two countries last year which resulted in strict restrictions on Indians trying to move there. The university has received over 6,500 applications across different courses, a significant increase compared to the figures from recent years. According to vice-chancellor, Satbir Singh Gosal, the low number of application in the last few years were due to 'overwhelming allure of foreign education, particularly in Canada.' HoD, deparmtent of journalism, Sheetal Thapar said, 'The department is fully committed to ensure quality media training by adapting to the changing media landscape and innovation.' She highlighted that the department is also planning to upgrade its media lab into an omni man lab with a TV studio to ensure that the students can be trained properly for the industry in line with the modern requirements. 'The department is also planning to incorporate social media management and the role of artificial intelligence in media into the training,' she added.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
PAU-BITS Pilani tie up to marry agri with tech
Ludhiana: Punjab Agricultural University recently tied up with BITS-Pilani for collaborative ventures in precision agriculture, data analytics, internet of things (IoT), geospatial science, and joint research and training programmes, heralding a new era of interdisciplinary excellence. PAU vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal said, "While the university had been collaborating with other agricultural universities and institutes, it has now signed an MoU with BITS-Pilani for advancements in technology. Technology and innovation will drive the next wave of agriculture. This collaboration is expected to facilitate the integration of cutting-edge tools viz., AI, drones, IoT sensors, robotics, spectroscopy, and GIS, into various facets of agriculture. " He emphasised PAU's continued pursuit of partnerships that convert research into scalable, field-level solutions to benefit farmers and industry stakeholders. He said, "The next phase of development in agriculture can be driven through technology. Such technologies are also expected to reduce the use of water. For example, sensors can tell information if the optimum level of moisture has reached and it can automatically shut down water release, which would save water. " Citing another example, he said, "Technologies such as machine-driven sowing of paddy can bring about transformative changes. Sensors and robots can now detect yellowing of plants, indicating lack of nitrogen, enabling the spraying of it on the exact spot and in exact measure, preventing excessive use. This will also save cost and increase yield." Ajmer Singh Dhatt, director of research (PAU), spoke about the university's leading role in agricultural innovation. He cited its monumental contributions to crop breeding, nutrient and water use efficiency, conservation agriculture, and its pivotal role in the Green Revolution. This strategic tie-up would infuse PAU's research ecosystem with the latest technological insights, he said. Manjeet Singh, dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, said, "The agreement aims to build long-term institutional synergies to address the emerging challenges in agriculture in India."
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: PAU sees surge in UG, PG applications
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has registered an upswing in applications for its various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the academic year 2025-26. The university has received over 6,500 applications across different programmes. University's common entrance test (CET) for undergraduate programmes saw 3,497 applicants this year, a sharp increase from 2,629 in 2024-25. Additionally, the agriculture aptitude test (AAT), conducted after Class 10 for the six-year BSc (Hons) agriculture programme, garnered 849 applications, rising from 668 in 2024-25. Postgraduate programmes including MBA (agri-business), journalism and mass Communication received applications double the number of available seats. Vice-chancellor, Satbir Singh Gosal, expressed that the increasing number of applications reflects renewed trust in the academic, research and extension of leadership of the university. He noted that the dip in applications in recent years had been due to COVID-19 disruptions and the overwhelming allure of foreign education, particularly in Canada. However, with PAU's continued focus on academic excellence, modernisation of curricula, enhanced placement opportunities, and deep-rooted connection with rural India, students and parents are now recognising the value of a PAU education in shaping purposeful careers. Registrar, Dr Rishi Pal Singh (IAS), observed that the diversity of disciplines attracting large numbers of applicants is proof of the university's evolving relevance in today's dynamic world.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: PAU hosts ‘green ammonia' talk by US-based scientist
The science club and the department of biochemistry at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in collaboration with the United States–India Educational Foundation (USIEF) organised a talk on 'Green Ammonia in India: An opportunity to advance sustainability?' by Eric A Davidson, a globally respected environmental scientist, currently serving as a Fulbright-Nehru distinguished senior scholar in India. The chief guest Satbir Singh Gosal, vice-chancellor, PAU, in his introductory remarks, highlighted the potential of green ammonia to significantly reduce carbon emissions and support climate-smart agriculture. (HT File) Davidson is affiliated with the University of Maryland Centre for Environmental Science (UMCES), where he is part of the appalachianl laboratory, a renowned hub for interdisciplinary environmental research. He is the principal scientist at Spark Climate Solutions. The chief guest Satbir Singh Gosal, vice-chancellor, PAU, in his introductory remarks, highlighted the potential of green ammonia to significantly reduce carbon emissions, support climate-smart agriculture, and move us closer to our national and global sustainability goals. He encouraged the students to apply for Fulbright programmes that support scholars, researchers, and professionals in both countries. In his talk on green ammonia, Davidson emphasised the critical involvement of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agricultural productivity. Davidson highlighted that fertiliser production in India is heavily reliant on the use of fossil fuels that leads to high emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. 'A new renewable energy technology can produce 'green ammonia' for use as fertilisers and fuel, greatly reducing carbon dioxide emissions,' he added. Davidson said that it can also be used to synthesise proteins for human and livestock consumption. Davidson pointed out that several Indian companies have announced plans for green ammonia production, though, significant challenges lie ahead in future adoption. Davidson's talk was followed by discussion with faculty and students. Manjeet Kaur Sangha, head, department of biochemistry, acknowledged the vital role played by USIEF in fostering mutual understanding, encouraging innovation, and building enduring educational partnerships between India and the United States of America. Former PAU scientist feted for humanitarian services Naurang Singh Mangat, a former PAU scientist and founder of Guru Amar Das Apahaj Ashram near Sarabha village in Ludhiana, was honoured, for his humanitarian service to homeless patients, in an event held in Mumbai. The event, organised by the Sat Sri Akal Charitable Trust in collaboration with various Sikh organisations of Mumbai, took place at Guru Nanak Khalsa College. A short film highlighting Mangat's dedicated work was also screened for the who served as a professor of statistics at PAU and later worked in Canada at the University of Windsor and Morrison Scientific Inc, has been caring for abandoned and ailing individuals since 2005. For four years, he cycled through Ludhiana and surrounding areas, personally rescuing homeless patients from the streets and providing them with free medical care. In 2009, Mangat established Guru Amar Das Apahaj Ashram near Sarabha village, where he continues to serve over 1,350 homeless patients. Currently, 225 residents live there permanently, 115 of them mentally challenged and 75 bedridden. All are provided with food, clothing, and healthcare entirely free of cost. With 38 staff members and no fixed income source, the Ashram survives entirely on public donations, covering monthly expenses to keep serving these homeless patients. Agri varsity holds awareness camp for farmers The department of zoology at PAU organised a farmer awareness camp at Katani Kalan village in collaboration with the state department of agriculture and farmers welfare, Punjab. Tejdeep Kaur Kler, principal ornithologist and head, department of zoology, PAU, emphasised the importance of birds in ecosystem and conservation of useful birds in agriculture. She said that protecting the environment is vital for maintaining human health, health of ecosystems and overall sustainability of life on earth. Zoologist, Rajwinder Singh, delivered a talk on damage caused and management of vertebrate pests in different agricultural crops. Agriculture extension officer, Raman Chopra, briefed the farmers about different agricultural policies for the benefits of farmers.
