Amritsar: India’s Paramjit Singh Sarna, a philanthropist, and Baljinder Singh, an academician, are among eight people selected from across the world for the international advisory board of Baba Guru Nanak University, Nankana Sahib, Pakistan.The announcement was made by university registrar Mubashar Tariq following recommendations from the university’s academic council and syndicate.Besides Sarna and Baljinder, the other members are Navneet Kaur, an entrepreneur from the US; Giani Tarbedi Singh, a religious preacher from the UK; Joga Singh, a social worker from the UK; Gian Singh Gill, an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Canada; Rana Tanverer Ali, a journalist from Canada; and Ishtiaq Ahmad, an academician from the UK.Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs worldwide.“The university’s location in Nankana Sahib gives it particular significance for Sikhs worldwide. Stronger international academic partnerships can expand educational opportunities, attract philanthropic support, and connect students and faculty with institutions and scholars across borders,” Sarna said.He said the board’s terms of reference include promoting the university’s international recognition, developing links with charitable foundations and global academic bodies, and supporting its infrastructure and scholarship programmes.Sarna said he looked forward to contributing to the university’s international academic partnerships, expanding educational opportunities for its students, and advancing the preservation and study of Sikh heritage.The board will also advise the university on global best practices in higher education, curriculum development and academic governance. It will recommend international speakers, guest lecturers and visiting professors for academic engagements; promote student exchange programmes and international internships through global academic and professional networks; and assist in securing accreditations, Sarna said.
