Punjabi University Patiala and World Gatka Federation (WGF) today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster collaboration for advancement in academic opportunities and sports cooperation in order to promote, standardize and revive indigenous martial art Gatka as a recognized game at international level.This historic agreement was signed by Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa MP and President of World Gatka Federation (WGF), Dr Jaspal Singh Vice Chancellor Punjabi University and Professor A.S. Chawla Registrar. Speaking on the occasion Dhindsa affirmed that the WGF along with its affiliated Gatka Federations and Punjabi University would cooperate with each other to facilitate academic cooperation initiatives in the areas of joint research, policy dialogue, publications and capacity building particularly in the area of standardization and revival of Gatka. "The desired goal would be accomplished through documentation of short films, research projects, academic courses and hosting of Gatka competitions, seminars, workshops etc.", he added.
Dhindsa informed that the WGF is an International sports organization is standardizing and promoting martial art Gatka as a game in the world. Adding further he emphasized that the Gatka Federations endeavours to get recognition of Gatka sport at international level including Asian, Commonwealth and Olympic Games. "The Gatka organizations affiliated with WGF, like Asian Gatka Federation, Gatka Federation of India and Punjab Gatka Association have taken major initiatives to give impetus to this traditional game" he said. It may be recalled that WGF and its affiliated Gatka Federations had already initiated humble efforts in the educational institutions to popularize Gatka amongst the students.
Giving details Dr Jaspal Singh elaborated that the modalities for fostering mutual academic and sports cooperation includes launching of two academic courses namely Diploma and Certificate courses in Gatka having one tear and six months duration respectively. Besides this, MOU enshrines undertaking collaborative research projects, conducting training workshops, preparing modules, organizing joint conferences, seminars for informed debate, exchange of research, knowledge dissemination through joint publications and research activities. He added that 2nd All India Inter-Varsity Gatka Championship would be hosted in November this.
He added that both institutes would also undertake joint research and training activities, arrangements for specific visits and cultural exchanges etc. In this regard a co-ordination team would oversee and coordinate all the objectives and activities, he affirmed. This laudable move would be instrumental in imbibing the martial sprit and valour amongst the youth through this great traditional art 'Gatka' that traces its history back to an era of the sixth master of Sikhs Shri Guru Hargobind Ji. This significant agreement would pave a way for reviving the age old religio-cultural glory by promoting Gatka in the higher institutions.
Present on the occasion SP Singh Oberoi President of Asian Gatka Federation said that Gatka has been acknowledged as a sport and being played across the country & diaspora. Among others Harcharn Singh Bhullar President Gatka Federation of India, Harjeet Singh Grewal General Secretary, Dr Jamshed Ali Khan Dean Colleges, Jassa Singh Sandhu, Dr Deep Singh, Avtar Singh, Manjeet Singh Gatka Master, Jagtar Singh Sandhu, Sukhwant Singh Sarao, Dr Raj Kumar Sharma, Dr Parmvir Singh, Dr Davinder Singh and Dr Prabhleen Singh were also present.