AMRITSAR: Guru Nanak Dev University has taken a significant step towards globalizing Indian education by approving a proposal to establish its first offshore campus in California, USA. This was decided during the university syndicate’s meeting led by Vice Chancellor Dr. Karamjeet Singh, aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020, aiming to showcase the strength of Indian academia on the world stage. This meeting was held in the syndicate room here today which was attended by a large number of syndicate members online and offline.
Prof. KS Chahal, Registrar presented the agenda of meeting. Prof. Palwinder Singh, Dean Academic Affairs and other officials were present.
The planned California campus will be as per the principles of Guru Nanak Dev Ji—humility, service, equality, and liberation through knowledge. According to Vice Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh, the new Campus will not only provide quality education but also strengthen India’s economic, cultural, and academic presence globally. It is expected to address the educational and cultural needs of the Punjabi Diaspora and foster academic exchange with international students.
Preparations for regulatory approvals are underway, and Prof. Karamjeet Singh has called upon the Punjabi community abroad to support this initiative. If successful, the campus will serve as a model for producing world-class human capital.
In another landmark decision, the syndicate has approved the launch of PhD programs and Research Centers in affiliated colleges of the University, expanding research opportunities and strengthening higher education across the region among College Faculty. This fulfills a longstanding demand from college faculty and is expected to boost innovation and academic excellence.
For the 2025-26 academic session, Guru Nanak Dev University will introduce new multidisciplinary courses, including "Basic First Aid and Emergency Care, " and revise eligibility for the Master of Vocational and Mental Health Counseling program. Additionally, two new specialized Master of Arts programs in Hindustani Music (Vocal and Instrumental) will replace the previous combined course, aiming for more focused and quality-driven instruction.
Syndicate also accorded its approval to honour S. Jasvir Gill, CEO Alert Enterprise Inc. from California, America with Honoris Causa Doctorate Degree at 50th Annual Convocation of the University in the faculty of Doctor of Engineering. In this Convocation as many as 54 University Scholars will be awarded Ph.D Degrees.
These decisions reflect GNDU’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students and modern education, reinforcing its position as a leading institution both nationally and internationally. All the members of Syndicate expressed their happiness and satisfaction over the achievements of the University during last six months. They unanimously congratulated Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karmajeet Singh for this achievement.