AI Generated Summary
- With its focus on both academics and skill training, the university is expected to bridge the gap between education and employability, transforming the socio-economic landscape of the area.
- In a landmark initiative to make higher education accessible to underprivileged youth, philanthropist and Dubai-based businessman SPS Oberoi has announced the establishment of a “futuristic university” in Anandpur Sahib.
- The venture is being carried out under the aegis of the Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust and the Sunny Oberoi Foundation, organizations long associated with humanitarian and community welfare initiatives.
In a landmark initiative to make higher education accessible to underprivileged youth, philanthropist and Dubai-based businessman SPS Oberoi has announced the establishment of a “futuristic university” in Anandpur Sahib. The institution aims to provide free education and skill-based training exclusively to students from economically weaker sections of society.
Spread across a sprawling 30-acre campus, the project carries an estimated cost of ₹800 crore. Oberoi has already pledged ₹200 crore from his personal resources to kickstart the development. The venture is being carried out under the aegis of the Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust and the Sunny Oberoi Foundation, organizations long associated with humanitarian and community welfare initiatives.
Vice-Chancellor Sarabjindar Singh revealed that the university has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Punjab State Open University. Although construction of the main campus is underway, classes have already commenced from an alternative site with 300 students enrolled in the inaugural session.
“Education here will be completely free, without any caste or community-based reservations. The only eligibility condition is that students must belong to the economically weaker sections,” Singh explained. He further added that hostel accommodations and meals would also be provided at no cost to ensure holistic support for the students.
Local educationists and social leaders have welcomed the initiative, calling it a potential game-changer for the region. With its focus on both academics and skill training, the university is expected to bridge the gap between education and employability, transforming the socio-economic landscape of the area.
For Oberoi, who hails from Nangal town, the project is not just a philanthropic mission but a personal journey to give back to his roots. If successful, the Anandpur Sahib university could become a model for inclusive education across the country.
