Patiala, December 15
Under the dynamic leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, the UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC) has successfully concluded its 12-day multidisciplinary Refresher Course on “Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies.”
The course was carefully designed to deepen participants’ understanding of contemporary trends in literary studies, linguistic research, and cultural discourse amid a rapidly evolving global and digital landscape. It explored critical approaches to language pedagogy, literary theory, comparative literature, and multidisciplinary cultural studies. Emphasis was placed on the transformative role of languages and literature in shaping cultural identities, social narratives, and intellectual traditions, alongside innovative teaching methods, research methodologies, and the integration of digital humanities. The programme equipped faculty members with inclusive, reflective, and research-driven practices for their academic and professional roles.
At the valedictory session, Prof. (Dr.) Raman Maini, Director, MMTTC, and Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Punjabi University, Patiala, warmly welcomed the Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Singh, Vice Chancellor; Guest of Honour, Dr. Gurupdesh Singh, Professor (Retd.), Department of English, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Course Coordinator, Dr. Pushpinder Joshi, Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit & Pali; Co-Coordinator, Dr. C. P. Kamboj, Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics and Punjabi Lexicography; and all participants.
In his valedictory address, Prof. Maini expressed profound gratitude to Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagdeep Singh for his visionary leadership and unwavering support, which have fuelled the growth and diverse initiatives of the MMTTC. He also thanked Dr. Gurupdesh Singh for his progressive outlook and contributions to higher education, particularly in promoting interdisciplinary and learner-centric approaches.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Prof. Jagdeep Singh underscored the vital role of languages, literature, and cultural studies in fostering critical thinking, ethical awareness, and social responsibility. He stressed the need for humanities to engage creatively with digital platforms while upholding humanistic values, cultural diversity, and intellectual integrity. He praised the MMTTC for delivering a timely and enriching course aligned with current academic demands.
Guest of Honour Dr. Gurupdesh Singh described languages and literature as powerful tools for understanding societal change, cultural diversity, and global interconnectedness. He advocated interdisciplinary methods and innovative pedagogies to tackle emerging challenges and commended the MMTTC’s efforts in enhancing faculty capabilities through forward-thinking programmes.
Course Coordinator Dr. Pushpinder Joshi urged participants to incorporate critical, comparative, and interdisciplinary perspectives into their teaching and research. He highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and reflective pedagogy, noting that the course provided a robust platform for exploring linguistic structures, literary traditions, and cultural discourses, thereby sharpening analytical and interpretative skills.
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Co-Coordinator Dr. C. P. Kamboj reflected on the programme’s outcomes, stating that it offered a rich multidisciplinary environment through lectures, discussions, and scholarly interactions. This enabled participants to critically analyse texts, cultural patterns, and the interplay between language, literature, and society, ultimately strengthening their teaching, research, and scholarly competencies. He extended thanks to resource persons, organisers, and participants, and proposed the vote of thanks.
Prof. Raman Maini also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of staff members—Dr. Mandeep Singh (Technical Officer-II), Mr. Dyal Dutt, Mr. Surinder Singh, Mrs. Kanta Rani, Mr. Mahaveer Singh, and Mr. Surinder Kumar—for their outstanding organisational support.
The session ended with enthusiastic feedback from participants and a renewed commitment from the MMTTC to advancing professional development in languages, literature, and cultural studies.
