Chandigarh, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has raised alarms over Punjab University’s recent decision to eliminate four papers from its postgraduate history curriculum that pertain to the state’s history. Party officials argue that this move could undermine efforts to preserve Punjab’s rich historical legacy.
Daljit Singh Cheema, a senior leader of the Akali Dal, explained that the removed papers offered students insights into Punjab’s history from the 15th to the 20th century. He emphasized that such subjects should not be tampered with in any manner.
Cheema also mentioned that he has addressed this issue with the university’s Vice-Chancellor and the head of the history department. Both officials reportedly assured him that the decision would be reconsidered and the original curriculum reinstated soon.
He stressed that decisions affecting the cultural and historical sentiments of Punjabis should not be repeated in the future. According to Cheema, Punjab’s history must remain a significant and respected part of academic study.
Punjab University, established 143 years ago, has educated many prominent figures, including former Prime Ministers Dr. Manmohan Singh and I.K. Gujral, as well as former President Shankar Dayal Sharma.
Located in Chandigarh, the university features a stunning campus designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, under the guidance of Pierre Jeanneret. The university moved to its current site between 1958 and 1960.
Before the reorganization of Punjab in 1966, the university had regional centers in Rohtak, Shimla, and Jalandhar, with affiliated colleges across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. Following the reorganization, it became an inter-state institution catering to the needs of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. Eventually, colleges in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh affiliated with their respective state universities, leaving Punjab University with colleges in Chandigarh and parts of Punjab.
Spanning approximately 550 acres across sectors 14 and 25, Punjab University is regarded as one of the leading higher education institutions in the country.
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