Recognising the mutual benefits to be gained through a cooperative programme promoting scholarly activities and international understanding, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology,Canada, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here on Thursday.
The MoU shall be valid for five years from today but could be renewed or extended by mutual written consent and amounts to terminate or supersede any existing or continuing MoUs between the two institutes. The MoU was signed by Prof Palwinder Singh Dean, Academic Affairs, Guru Nanak Dev University’s and Dr.Karen Dancy , Director Recruitment & International Relations, Olds College Canada in the presence of Vice-Chancellor, Prof Karamjeet Singh. On this occasion Prof Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi Dean Students Welfare &Coordinator International Relations, , Prof Balwinder Singh Senior Professor University School of Financial Studies, Prof PK Patti, Head, Department of Agriculture and other senior officials of both the institutes were also present.
Prof. Karamjeet Singh said 'Today marks nothing less than the beginning of a new era of cooperation for India and Canada. By teaming up, our university is creating a unique alliance and leading the way in shaping the future of Indo-Canada research partnership. I am happy to look forward to continuing our dialogue in this regard.
This initiative will further cement our university’s position as one of the world’s premier locations for research and innovation”. Prof. Karamjeet Singh further said, “This collaboration is an immense opportunity to promote cooperative research and to facilitate the international exchange of ideas in the field of Agriculture and Management, the development of new knowledge and to enhance global research acumen through these hubs.
The modes of cooperation could include faculty visits for collaboration in research, student mobility programs for learning, development of cooperative research projects and dissemination of finding through scholarly publication. A high level delegation led by Director Dr.Karen Dancy and Dr. Tashu Nanwal from Olds College of Agriculture & Technology Canada visited Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) today.
After mutual discussions, both institutes signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for more growth opportunities for students and faculty members particularly in the Field of Agriculture & Management of both the institutes. On this occasion, Dr.Karen Dancy also interacted with GNDU faculty members and senior functionaries.
On this MoU, Dr.Karen Dancy shared that “Olds College values its partnerships and mutual areas of interest with institutions across the world to enrich the student experience. Olds College is globally recognized for high-tech, hands-on agriculture education and innovative applied research that lays the foundation for solving real-world problems in farming, food and land and is one of Canada's Top Research Colleges”.
Having a campus tour and interaction with senior faculty members, Dr.Karen Dancy admired the international study environment at GNDU with all conveniences at stunning campus expanse. Dr.Karen Dancy expressed her happiness over having a long and fruitful collaboration with Guru Nanak Dev University.
Guru Nanak Dev University is among one of the best universities in India with high research focus and diverse academic programs, carrying research on areas like Agriculture, Management Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Drug Design, Architecture, Planning, Biotechnology etc. On this occasion Dr. Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi, Coordinator University Industry Linkage Programme said “Through closer collaboration and shared expertise, we will gain a deeper insight into our ground-breaking research and fulfil our joint ambition to address some of the biggest challenges facing society today.
“Furthering academic and student exchange programmes will also enrich both Olds College and GNDU communities, enabling them to develop and grow intellectually, culturally and socially”. Dr. Bedi said 'University is delighted that we have successfully established a strategic partnership with the Olds College, one of the world's most renowned institute in the field of Agriculture& Management.
Dr. Bedi further said “This collaboration will create more opportunities for our students and faculty members. MoU is to provide a good foundation for long-term development between the two institutes. Both institutes will benefit through international exchanges that will not only enrich the campus environment but also provide advance agricultural training to our students with international learning experiences.