Three centuries ago, the tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh li stayed at Talwandi Sabo, finalized the compilation of Guru Granth Sahib 1i and prophesied that this place will manifest as Guru Ki Kashi-a great Centre of teaching and learning from where will emerge great scholars of Sikhism.
About two centuries thereafter, establishment of Gurmat Vidalaya by Sant Atar Singh li Maharaj was the first step in this direction. About a century thereafter, establishment of Akal University, Talwandi Sabo under the leadership of Baba lqbal Singh Ji Baru Sahib Wale was culmination of what the tenth Guru prophesied about three centuries ago. The University has started its first academic session this year.
The mission and vision of the University is not merely to impart literacy but to provide high quality spiritual value based education leading to holistic development of complete human beings who will propagate the message of Universal brotherhood and philosophy of interfaith wisdom enshrined in Sri GuruGranthSahib Ji.
Unlike most of the educational entities having commercialized the higher education by operating like business ventures, the Akal University has mandated to uphold the three basic principles of higher education namely; Teaching,- Learning and Research. Consequently, the University has started with Undergraduate and Post Graduate Honours courses in basic sciences of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Economics and Commerce, and English and Punjabi languages.
The University plans to offer Ph.D programs in all these areas shortly. Offering the three years Bachelor of Arts(Honours) Degree in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Studies is a unique programme of the University, probably first of its kind offered by any University in the country and abroad. The programme is fully residential and totally free including fee and boarding and lodging charges.
The course aims not only to impart complete learning of the Holy Scripture but also to teach Guru Darbar Maryada, Sikh tenants, Sikh history and teaching of Sant Atar Singh Maharaj Mastuane Wale and other enlightened sages from different sects and religions of the world. Comparative study of different religions would be an integral part of the course.
Magnificent building with ultra-modern facilities for teaching and research is the hallmark of the University. Wi-Fi campus, well equipped modern labs, internet linked Smart Classrooms, high-tech well stocked library facilities, CCTV cameras for special security of girl students, modern residential life and hostel facilities for boys and girls, 100% healthy vegetarian diet, RO system on all drinking water coolers, well-functional university transport services for staff and day scholars, drug-free campus, sports and recreational facilities for boys and girls and special fee concession ranging from Rs. 10,000 to 52,000 per meritorious student are key features of the education system at the University.
The University has designed goal oriented course curriculum. The unique features of the same include choice based credit system, market-oriented skill enhancement courses, special coaching classes for UGC-NET, MS and other competitive exams. The university adopted English medium for teaching and examination of the students. The University will endeavor to enhance the communication skills of the students by making special efforts on improving the knowledge of English language. Besides teaching English as compulsory subject to all undergraduate students, special free of cost extra coaching classes are organized for students facing problems in writing of English and oral communication in English.
To strive for excellence in teaching and research, almost all Professors are UGC qualified with exceptionally good academic records and have earned their Doctorate degrees.
Besides following students-teacher interactive mode of teaching, each student has been assigned a teacher mentor to take tutorial and to resolve their academic problems. There is special provision of counsellors to motivate, guide and address personal day to day issues and problems of the girl students. 24×7 health facilities along with provision of ambulance services are available on the campus.
The University has a firm resolve to provide a drug-free environment and to create a disciplined campus life. In tune with the philosophy of Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, all efforts are being made to imbibe spiritual, moral and cultural values in the students to make them decent human beings and responsible citizens.
In due course, the University plans to start the great work of translation of the holy scripture in different languages of the world so that the seekers of spirituality from all over the world may submerge themselves in the ocean of divinity and parmarth and find the path of ultimate salvation enshrined in the holy scripture of Sri Guru Granth sahib ii as blessed by the 10th Guru Sri Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj.
~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 24th Sep ’15
