MAKA Trophy: Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), established in 1969 in Amritsar, stands as a testament to the vision of fostering education, research, and cultural values. Named after the revered Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the university has recently added another feather to its cap by being conferred with the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy for the year 2023. President Droupadi Murmu, in a ceremony that celebrated academic excellence, recognized GNDU’s significant contributions to various fields.
A Legacy of Excellence:
Founded on November 24, 1969, to commemorate the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, GNDU is both a residential and affiliating university. The Guru Nanak Dev University Act 1969 laid down objectives that emphasized education and research in humanities, sciences, applied technology, and the learned professions.
GNDU has earned the coveted “Category One” status from the University Grants Commission (UGC), a recognition held exclusively by GNDU in the region comprising Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. With a remarkable score of 3.85 out of 4.00 on the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) scale, the university has been accredited at the highest level, A++. Additionally, GNDU holds the status of a “University with Potential for Excellence” as conferred by the UGC.
Academic Prowess and Rankings:
GNDU has consistently demonstrated its academic prowess, earning recognition as one of the “High Performing State Public Universities” in India by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). The university has climbed the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ladder, securing the 51st position in 2020 and continuously improving its ranking over the past four years.
The WEEK-Hansa Research Best University survey in 2019 ranked GNDU at 7th in North Zone Multi-Disciplinary Universities and 14th in All India Multi-Disciplinary Universities. The university also achieved the 11th rank in State Universities of India according to the “India Today Ranking-2020.” In a survey conducted by India Today (MDRA) in 2019, GNDU secured the 17th position in the country.
Internationally, GNDU has gained recognition, being placed among the top 10 State Public Universities in the world by the Centre for World University Ranking (CWUR). Nature Index acknowledges GNDU as one of the top four institutions in Punjab and among the top 10 in North India.
Commitment to Guru Nanak’s Teachings:
GNDU remains dedicated to studying and researching the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. In addition, the university actively promotes Punjabi language and endeavors to provide education to economically disadvantaged classes and communities. Notably, the university has waived tuition fees for students in the departments of Guru Nanak Studies and the School of Punjabi Studies, exemplifying its commitment to spreading education without financial barriers.
As GNDU receives the MAKA Trophy from President Droupadi Murmu, it stands as a beacon of academic excellence, cultural preservation, and inclusive education. The recognition underscores the university’s commitment to its founding principles and its continued pursuit of knowledge, making it a pride of the academic landscape in North India.
