In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance interdisciplinary research and educational cooperation, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), both situated in Ludhiana, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This five-year agreement marks a significant stride towards integrating agricultural and medical sciences to address crucial health and nutrition challenges.
The formal signing ceremony took place at the PAU campus, with Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, and Dr. Gurpreet Wander, Principal of DMCH, presiding over the event. Notable attendees from DMCH included Dr. Bishav Mohan, Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Dr. Sandeep Kaushal, Dr. Shweta Batta, Mr. Gurjeet Singh, and Mr. Vijay Kumar. PAU officials also graced the occasion.
Dr. S.S. Gosal emphasized the shared vision of merging agricultural and medical sciences, highlighting that the agreement would enhance educational programs, foster collaborative research, and disseminate innovative technologies. He identified key research areas such as phytonutrient-rich produce, low glycemic index varieties, crop biofortification, bio-enzymes, and medicinal plants. Dr. Gosal expressed optimism about developing groundbreaking solutions that would benefit both academia and society.
Dr. Wander, expressing his delight at the strategic partnership, stated that the MoU would elevate research, improve educational experiences, and develop impactful technologies. He underscored the importance of tangible community benefits, listing initiatives such as health check-ups, anemia alleviation, millet promotion, high-fiber and high-protein diet popularization, and skill development programs. Dr. Wander also highlighted plans for developing teaching modules, skill development programs, and establishing connections with the general public.
PAU’s Registrar, Dr. Rishi Pal Singh, suggested creating detailed work plans to specify activities and contributions from both institutions, ensuring the effective management of the agreement’s practical details. He proposed a range of partnership opportunities, including academic interactions, faculty exchanges, and joint seminars, reiterating PAU’s commitment to connecting communities, inspiring learning, and nurturing a distinctive research culture.
Dr. Kiran Bains, Dean of the College of Community Science at PAU, outlined the MoU’s core objectives, stressing the enhancement of educational programs in food, nutrition, and human health. She highlighted the partnership’s focus on collaborative research in environmental health and social sciences, technology transfer to the community, and bolstering internship programs and outreach activities.
Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, PAU’s Director of Research, detailed the university’s nutritional security-focused projects, such as zinc-fortified wheat and carotene-rich crops, and its adoption of new technologies like genome editing and artificial intelligence. Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, PAU’s Director of Extension Education, briefed the delegation on the university’s robust outreach system, ensuring the prompt delivery of information and innovation to farmers.
DMCH representatives Dr. Sandeep Sharma and Dr. Bishav Mohan illuminated the research conducted at their 1625-bed tertiary care NABH-accredited teaching hospital, which boasts modern facilities and provides exceptional patient care and training for students.
The collaboration builds on previous interactions, including Dr. Bishav Mohan’s recent visit to PAU to discuss the Hypertension Initiative, Mission Swasth Kavach, led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with DMCH and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Manav Indra Singh Gill, Dean of Post Graduate Studies at PAU, proposed a vote of thanks, and the event was coordinated by Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institutional Relations) at PAU.
