To boost interdisciplinary research and education collaboration, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday.
According to the university, “this five-year agreement marks a major step toward integrating agriculture and medicine to address pressing health and nutrition problems.”
The signing ceremony took place at the PAU campus. Vice Chancellor Satbir Singh Ghosal and Principal of DMCH Gurpreet Wander presided over the ceremony.
The rector said the agreement will strengthen educational programs, promote collaborative research and disseminate innovative technologies. Ghosal identified several key research areas, including phytonutrient-rich produce, low glycemic index varieties, crop biofortification, bioenzymes and medicinal plants. Priorities range from creating value-added foods from biofortified crops and validating their nutritional benefits to managing metabolic disorders through customized diets. He expects solutions that will benefit both academia and society.
Dr. Wonder said the MoU will foster research, enhance educational experiences and develop impactful technologies. He stressed the importance of translating the MoU into tangible community benefits, listing initiatives such as health screening, anemia alleviation, millet promotion, high fiber and protein diets and skill development programs. He also expressed interest in collaborating on developing educational modules, skill development programs, workforce management, clinical and practical student placements and building connections with the public. He highlighted the alliance’s potential to drive innovation and progress in addressing health and nutrition challenges.
Rishi Pal Singh, Registrar, PAU, said detailed work plans can be prepared jointly by both the institutions. These plans can specify the activities and contributions of each party, thus effectively managing the practical details of the agreement. He suggested various partnership opportunities including academic exchanges, faculty exchanges and joint seminars.
Earlier, Kiran Bains, dean of the School of Community Sciences, outlined the key objectives of the MoU, emphasizing that it will strengthen food, nutrition and human health education programs for quality education. Collaborative research in environmental health and social sciences will be a priority. The partnership will also facilitate technology transfer to the community and strengthen internship programs and outreach activities. In addition, it will entail establishing inter-institutional collaborations and mutually agreed financial arrangements for exchange programs and consulting services, Bains added.
During the discussion, PAU Director of Research Ajmer Singh Dutt highlighted the university’s research and highlighted projects focused on nutritional security such as zinc fortified wheat and carotene rich crops. He elaborated on PAU’s adoption of new technologies such as genome editing and artificial intelligence.
Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director Extension Education, PAU, briefed the delegation about the University’s outreach system that ensures rapid provision of information and innovations to farmers for improved agricultural practices.
Agricultural University holds student-centered event
PAU Inspire Club on Monday organised an event titled ‘My Dreams, My Flight’ at Sardar Bhagat Singh Auditorium to encourage students to visualize and express their dreams without the fear of criticism. The chief guest of the event was PAU Secretary General Rishi Pal Singh, who shared his vision for the university and expressed his support to the students. Club president CS Aulakh said the idea was to provide a platform to students to express their ambitions and experiences. The highlight of the event was a series of speeches by students including Navnoor Kaul, Navpreet Kaul, Sajjanbir Singh, Manpreet Singh, Jaspreet Kaul, Lakshay Sharma, Gayatri Gupta, Sharinderjeet Kumar and Sukriti, who shared their motivations and experiences for joining the university.
