During the function organised by Khalsa College, Patiala for the commencement of construction of its Campus for Research and Advanced Studies at Dhablaan, Jathedar Avtar Singh Ji, President Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Sri Amritsar along with S. Surjeet Singh Rakhra, Higher Education, Languages, Water Supply and Sanitation Minister, Punjab announced that Khalsa College, Patiala will be made into Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur University from the next session.
Jathedar Avtar Singh Ji said that the rapid progress made by Khalsa College, Patiala is an example in itself and at present, there are 5,200 students enrolled in the college and it offers a variety of diverse courses which makes its stature equivalent to a university. He shared his views that since this land is pious due to the visit of nineth Guru Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, he felt spiritually elated to announce the establishment of the university here. He said that there would be six academic blocks, girls and boys hostel, staff quarters and a guest house in the campus. During the first step, first academic block will be constructed with the cost of Rs. 10 crores.
S. Surjeet Singh Rakhra, while thanking Jathedar Avtar Singh Ji for the decision to transform Khalsa College, Patiala into Guru Tegh Bahadur University said that it testifies his visionary approach. He said that it is very important to establish universities of high standard for the growth of Punjab and transformation of Khalsa College, Patiala into university will prove to be historical step in this direction. He assured that honourable S. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab and S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab will provide the needful support for the establishment of this university.
Dr. Dharminder Singh Ubha, Principal, Khalsa College, Patiala said that the college offers vocational, professional and time relevant courses at par with National and International educational policies. He also elaborated on recently started U.G.C. sponsored courses of Master of Leadership Development, Food Processing, Green House Technology and Advanced Electrical and Electronics.
S. Surjit Singh Rakhra and Jathedar Avtar Singh ji inaugurated the commencement of the campus. Prior to it, bhog of Sri Sukhmani Sahib and Kirtan of Elahi Bani was organised.
Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Former President, S.G.P.C., Sri Amritsar, Dr. Gurmohan Singh Walia, Vice Chancellor, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, S. Harmail Singh Tohra, Former Minister, Punjab Government, S. Charanjeet Singh Rakhra, social activist, S. Ajit Singh Pannu, Commissioner Patiala Division, S. Gurmeet Singh Chauhan S.S.P. Patiala, Sh. Mohinder pal, ADC, Patiala, S. Gurpal Singh Chahal, SDM, Patiala, S. Randhir Singh Rakhra, S. Kuldeep Singh Nasupur, S. Savinder Singh Sabharwal, S. Jaswinder Singh Cheema, S. Jaspal Singh Kalyan, S. Satwinder Singh Tohra, S. Gurdev Singh Dhaliwal, S. Amarjeet Singh, S. Harvidner Singh Virk were present. In addition to them, Principals from various colleges including Dr. Kuldeep Singh Bal, Dr. Ramanjit Kaur, Dr. Harmeet Kaur, Dr. Kashmir Singh, former faculty and entire faculty and students of Khalsa College Patiala were present. Sarpanches of more than 60 villages, Chairmen of Market Committee and former chairmen, Akali leaders and other dignitaries graced the occasion.