The India Post, Chandigarh 18th August, 2008 :The Centre for Defence & National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh has launched M. Phil programme for the serving defence personnel posted at Army Training Command, Shimla and its 29 training establishments spread all over the country.
Introducing the course, Dr. Rakesh Datta, Professor & Coordinator said that Panjab University is the first university which has entered into such university military adcademic interface with one full-fledged command of the Indian Army offering higher research degree programme. There are 16 officers of the rank of Major General, Colonels and Majors who have passed Staff College, joined the Course. Welcoming the dignitaries, Prof. S.K. Kulkarni,
Dean University Instruction, while bringing out the significance of the
course, also mentioned that such an accreditation during Diamond Jubilee Celebrations will be an added asset for the university. Major General G.G. Diwedi, Head Doctrine Branch, ARTRAC shared the long endeavour in fructifying the course. Later, Lt. General J.K. Mohanty, GOC-in-C ARTRAC while making his inaugural address remarked complimentary role of academics and soldiering which cannot be de-linked. Such exposures to the defence officers, indeed, help in opening wider horizons. The function was attended by senior civil and defence officers and university faculty. Prof. S.S. Bari, Registrar, while extending vote of thanks, congratulated the Centre
for starting new courses and wished that it will go long way in becoming the best Centre in the country in national security purview according to Dr. Rakesh Datta, Professor & Coordinator, Centre for Defence & National Security Studies, Panjab University.