A Seven Days Faculty Development Programme (Online) on the theme on “Science, Social Sciences and Humanities: A Quest for Interdisciplinary Understanding” was inaugurated in Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Sector-11, Chandigarh today. The Programme is being organised online by IQAC, Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Sector 11, Chandigarh in association with HRDC, Panjab University under the aegis of RUSA, UT Chandigarh.
More than 40 delegates comprising faculty members of diverse disciplines from various educational institutions of the city are participating. The objective of the programme is to engage discussions and deliberations in the direction of critical thinking and how interdisciplinarity can result in a better understanding and solving problems faced by people in the contemporary world. It will serve as a platform to provide greater opportunity to the participants to engage, interact with fellow colleagues from other disciplines; enhance their teaching and learning skills; and subsequently help the students in improving their performance.
In her Inaugral address, Prof. (Dr.) Anita Kaushal, Principal of the college underlined the significance of academic dialogue in educational institutions. She emphasised that it is through dialogue that one engages in discussions, conversations on different subjects and discover many perspectives on the same subject. She stressed that interdisciplinarity cannot be ignored as it enables to develop critical thinking and provides a holistic understanding. She welcomed the eminent speakers, congratulated the organisers and wished the participants a fruitful and insightful sessions.
In his Keynote address, the Chief-guest, Prof. Arvind, Prof. Arvind, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research in the contemporary era. He observed that it is important to have disciplinary boundaries but these should be permeable. He highlighted that we are humans first and then intellectuals or experts in our respective disciplines. Narrating anecdotes from his vast experience, he motivated the participants to carry out interdisciplinary research.
In his Presidential address, Prof. S. K. Tomar, Honorary Director, UGC-HRDC, Panjab University, Chandigarh lauded the efforts of the college for organizing the FDP on a pertinent theme. He said that the programme shall provide new opportunities for the participants to enhance their teaching skills. stressed on the importance of language and values associated with education and learning, exhorting academicians to be interdisciplinary in their approach towards understanding knowledge systems.
Dr. Sangeeta Mehtani, Head, Department of Chemistry and Dr. Ambuj Sharma, Head, Department of Philosophy, PGGCG-11, coordinators of the programme jointly proposed a vote of thanks.
More than Eighteen experts from various fields will be presenting their views and interacting with the delegates during the course of seven days. This enrichment will serve as a guiding force in the interdisciplinary endeavours and improve academic standards in the wider interests of the teachers and the taught.
