The Higher Education Review

Prof. H. S. Dhaliwal

Prof. H. S. Dhaliwal holds a Ph. D. in Genetics form University of California, Riverside and has immense academic and industrial experience. Before Eternal University, he has held many respective positions in eminent educational organizations such as Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Director Biotechnology Centre, Director-Cum- Senior Scientist at the Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and so on. He has worked in several advanced laboratories of the world in USA, Switzerland, Japan, Australia and Israel etc. for more than 10 years. He has published more than 250 research papers in peer reviewed journals and conferences and seminars. He has been actively associated with various Task Forces of DBT and ICAR for mentoring and monitoring research on crop improvement.

Comprising half of the Indian population, women in India are still in a state where they are suppressed and underrepresented, in one or other point of life. Except a few high achievers, many are striving hard to get their most deserved respect in the society.This bitter scenario can only be changed if they are amply empowered and educated. Addressing this prevailing crisis, Eternal University, one of the first girls' universities in Northern India was established amidst the captivating surroundings of Himachal Pradesh in educational campus popularly known as Baru Sahib - The Valley of Divine Peace. Eternal University, which is sponsored by Kalgidhar Trust and established by Himachal Pradesh Government Act No. 3 of 2009, offers a conducive and immensely safe environment to study.

A beautifulresidential campus located away from the maddening crowd of the city is one of the many features that make Eternal University a favoriteeducation destination among the students. It encompasses state-of-the-art facilities like out-door and indoor sports spaces, comfortable hostels, well-equipped laboratories, research facilities and so on.

Recognized by UGC, AICTE, INC, NCTE, DRDO, DSIR, and DBT, the University offers nearly 65-degree programmes in its seven constituent colleges at undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph. D. levels in Basic Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Management, Economics, Commerce, Nursing, Public Health and many more.

"Eternal is the only university among the 17 private universities in Himachal Pradesh that offers B.Sc. in Agriculture and B. Tech. in Food Technology for girl students as per the ICAR's Fifth Deans' Committee recommendations"

The University ensures grant to the students a value-based education and inculcate in them necessary values and etiquettes by following a modern Gurukul system. Prof. Dhaliwal pinpoints, "The Nursing College of the University is counted as one of the best nursing colleges in the north of Delhi where we offer M.Sc. Nursing in five areas of specialization with a promise of cent percent placement." Alongside, Eternal is the only university among the 17 private universities in Himachal Pradesh that offers B.Sc. in Agriculture and B. Tech. in Food Technology for girl students as per the ICAR's Fifth Deans' Committee recommendations.

Prof. Dhaliwal shares, "The Kalgidhar Trust has been promoting rural education with major attention on women empowerment through a network of 129 CBSE affiliated Akal Academies in the six states of northern India. Owing to which, girls belonging to underprivileged rural families are selected and sponsored by the Trust and are given opportunity to study at the undergraduate level in the Eternal University in various disciplines".

A Sphere for Witnessing Growth

Carrying forward the vision of Sant Baba Attar Singh Ji, the great visionary of the 20th century and his devotee Sant Baba Teja Singh Ji and the present President of the Kalgidhar Trust, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji is committed to providing not only outstanding academics, but also prepare the learners with high moral values. "Eternal University is a paradise on earth for learners. Being a student-friendly University, we take note of every requirement of our students. Easing the financial hurdles of students in pursuing education, we provide merit scholarships,

fellowships and 'earn while you learn opportunities'," opines Prof. Dhaliwal. The University also encourages the students to go for regular industrial training where often recognizing the potentialities of the students; they get hired by the concerned organization. Prof. Dhaliwal adds, "Our engineering students while undergoing training received job offers from the same companies they were getting trained in".

The curriculum is designed keeping in mind the contemporary requirements of the industry and possible futuristic developments along with giving emphasis on developing vocational and add-on courses. However, for providing maximum practical training, the University is planning to send the final year students for a yearlong training instead of semester training. "The Training and Placement Cell of the University is very vibrant and active. It helps in cultivating a cordial relationship between Industry and Academia," claims Prof. Dhaliwal. Further, the University enjoys tie-ups with varied National and International organizations like Drexel University, USA; Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA;ChaudharySarwanKumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur; Technical University, Hamirpur;Reliance, Jivo-Canolato name a few, for different purposes.

Making the smooth transition from academia to industry, the University also grooms the students through rendering them training in Soft Skills, Corporate Communication and Technical skills. "Our faculty members always believe in keeping a rhythm with the latest happenings. To promote Open-source Technology, we have collaborated with IIT Mumbai, on account of which regular FDP are conducted," claims Prof. Dhaliwal. Students are taught following varied pedagogies including live video lectures, consultation coupled with introducing to the platforms like SWAYAM and MOOCs. The students of Eternal University are educated in a holistic manner by encouraging them to participate in several inter-University tournaments. Conferring the women community a productive and fulfilling life through quality education and unparalleled placement opportunities, Eternal University is poised to emerge as a world-class women university with its centers of excellence in science, technology, arts and management in the next couple of years.