-Ramesh Chander
(Samaj Weekly)- I was invited by University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS) at the Panjab University Swami Sarvanand Giri Regional Centre (PU SSG RC) at Hoshiarpur district of Punjab on the current and topical theme: G-20 and India on September 22. UILS and PU SSG RC are the ‘centres of academic excellence’ in the Doaba area of Punjab and beyond. Panjab University opened a Regional Centre for imparting quality technical education to Kandi area of hoshiarpur after the name of Swami Sarvanand Giri Panjab University Regional Centre in the year 2006 with four branches of engineering. In 2007, it started two new courses in LAW as BA LLB (5 year integrated course) and 3 Years LLB course. The website of the UILS states its Vision as ‘To Be a Globally Renowned Education Hub that Caters Quality Education’ and rightly so. My visit and interaction at the UILS fully justified what they had visualized. It was a matter of gratification to see and note – majestic campus, lush green environment, state of the art educational facilities and calm and serene atmosphere. I was really humbled further and touched to hear the background of PU SSG RC from Dr. Brijesh Sharma, Co-coordinator of the Guest Lecture about the philanthropic gesture of Dr. Lajpat Rai Munger, a US National of Indian origin in donating the Campus of UILS and PU SSG RC to Punjab University in 2006 on the understanding that the Punjab University will name the Regional Centre after his spiritual Guru, Swami Sarvananda Giri. Dr. Lajpar Rai Munger, a well to do business man (Blueberry Farming etc. in the US) belonged to the nearby village called Nangal Shahidan. He acquired 20 acres of land in Bajwara village and established a college named after his revered Guru Swami Sarvananda to cater for the educational needs of the area which was later transferred to Punjab University – a great and appreciable gesture on the part of the Munger family in the spirit of ‘paying back to the society’.
The lecture was attended mostly by the law students and faculty of the Institute. I started with a brief background of the G-20 as to when and what for the group was established to meet the economic and financial crisis and gave an over view of the journey of the Group to the 18th Summit held in New Delhi on September 9-10 under the Indian Presidency. I informed the attentive audience of young students that it was a big event for India and its diplomacy. India could register its point of view and influence in the national and international matters to bring about a shared global future for the mankind through the Indian philosophical dictum – Vashudaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth – One Family with Universal sense of oneness. Referring to the Leaders’ New Delhi Declaration, a diplomatic coup, I touched on the achievements with Indian initiatives -Energy Initiative – Launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance – Connectivity Initiative – India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE EC) – New Member – the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 – tactful handling of the Ukraine conflict – Reform and restructuring of UN – Joint and concerted response to terrorism among others. In conclusion, I sounded and alerted the audience of the challenges ahead and added “Diplomacy is an on-going process and it would continue in the diplomatic spirit of ‘we agree to disagree’. India is on rails in this regard. G-20 Presidency of India was a ‘rotating’ event. Next Presidency will go to Brazil. Beyond a sense of euphoria in this regard, India would need to pay a bit more attention to internal situation – Diplomacy or international relations is an extension of internal stability and security – it is only a world of caution – India has come a long way and has arrived but it has to go a long way to reach.” In a lighter vein I said that as a diplomat, I believe, “In the world of diplomacy, certain things are better left unsaid” and invited the young minds for interaction. There was a good interaction with the disciplined and engaged young assembly for my knowledge and advantage.
Prof. Balbinder Kumar and Dr. Brijesh Sharma held the fort and conducted the proceedings of the Guest Lecture with aplomb in the absence of Director of UILS; Prof. H.S. Bains who was expected to preside over the function but could not do so due to exigencies of work. Later I met Prof Bains in his office and discussed matters of mutual interest. My brief interaction with him and subsequent a good working luncheon hosted by him impressed me a great deal. I found him an able educational administrator and an enlightened academic and also a friendly person. My visit to UILS was a rewarding one and I am indebted to Prof. Balbinder Kumar for taking the initiative in this regard.
