-Seasoned Journalist and IIS Veteran Brings 32 Years of Expertise to the Role
Patiala, December, 31
Punjabi University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jagdeep Singh has named Dr. Harminder Singh Khokhar, a distinguished senior university officer and alumnus of the Indian Information Service (IIS-98 Batch), as the new Director of Public Relations. In a warm gesture marking the transition, Dr. Singh, along with Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. Jaswinder Singh Brar and Registrar Prof. Davinderpal Singh Sidhu, personally visited Dr. Khokhar to offer their congratulations.
With over three decades of trailblazing contributions to journalism and mass communication, Dr. Khokhar’s career is a testament to dedication and versatility. He launched his journey in 1993 as editor, printer, and publisher of the Punjabi weekly Khokhar Di Awaaz. Selected through the rigorous Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams in 1998, he joined the elite Indian Information Service, where he served with the Press Information Bureau under the Government of India.
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Dr. Khokhar’s affiliation with Punjabi University dates back to 2001, when he began as Assistant Public Relations Officer. Promoted to Public Relations Officer in 2014, he has since been a pivotal figure in shaping the university’s communication strategy. In 2022, his seniority and acumen earned him the additional responsibility of overseeing the University Science Instrumentation Centre (USIC).
A proud son of Patiala, Dr. Khokhar’s academic foundation was laid at Government High School, Gandhi Nagar. He earned a B.A. (Hons.) and M.A. in History from Government Mohindra College, Patiala, followed by a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Punjabi University itself. His passion for media led him to pursue advanced studies across northern India’s premier institutions: a Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar; an M.Phil. from Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa; and a Ph.D. from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.
In extending his best wishes, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jagdeep Singh emphasized the transformative potential of Dr. Khokhar’s appointment. “Punjabi University stands to gain immensely from his vast reservoir of experience,” Dr. Singh remarked. “Institutions thrive under the guidance of seasoned leaders, and placing competent officers in strategic roles is vital for our continued progress.”
