Guru Nanak Dev University was established in the year 1969 to mark the five hundredth birth
anniversary of Shree Guru Nanak Devji. Since its foundation, the University has risen to be
amongst the top Universities of India besides acquiring a global status, and has maintained
a steady march to achieve academic and high quality research calibre and a respectable
reputation worldwide.
Category-I (MHRD)
NAAC Grade A++
University with Potential for Excellence
The University has been conferred with 'Category-I' status by MHRD, Grade 'A++' and
'University with Potential for Excellence' by NAAC. Since its initiation, the University
has focused upon bettering itself continuously through incorporation of a long-term vision
and devising methodologies in line with a strategic plan of action.
The strategic plan of the University intends to be a guiding light and a beacon, driven by
the universally renowned philosophy and teachings of the great avatar,
Guru Nanak Devji. It charts a path towards enhancing academic excellence,
producing and disseminating professional knowledge, and carving a niche as an undisputable
leader in accessible and egalitarian higher education.
Vision of the University
Guru Nanak Dev University, founded on the sacred name of Shree Guru Nanak Dev Ji, has
derived its motto — 'The lamp of the Guru's wisdom illuminates' — from the teachings of
the great avatar. Since then, the University has striven to imbibe and uphold timeless
wisdom and values in all its endeavours.
“The University aspires to impart quality education beyond the confines of any form
of disparity, become a harbinger of research excellence and innovation while continuously
striving forward to be recognized as an exemplary global institution producing world class
human capital and knowledge that empowers, enlightens and leads to societal
betterment.”
Mission Statement
The mission of the University, as reflected in its objectives and duties mentioned in The
Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar Act 1969, affirms the following core commitments:
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To make provision for imparting education and for promoting research in the humanities,
learned professions, sciences — especially of applied nature — technology and such other
branches of learning as it may think fit.
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To undertake study and research on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Devji and their
cultural and religious impact in the context of Indian and world civilizations.
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To promote Punjabi studies, culture and literature and provide for its research and
development.
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To enable the spread of University Education among classes and communities which are
educationally backward.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development covers a wide array of inter-related goals,
including good health and well-being, quality education, poverty eradication, economic
growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusion for all people by 2030.
Recognizing this, the new National Education Policy 2020 has made a bold and
transformative shift in aligning Indian higher education with the global SDG framework.
SDG Clusters Targeted by the University
Social
Environmental
Economic
Institutional
Guru Nanak Dev University has set its intent on becoming a harbinger of the SDG paradigms
through partnerships, research collaborations and the containment of SDG goals within
curriculums. The University recognizes that institutions of higher education must play a
pro-active and exemplary role in the mammoth task of global sustainability accomplishment.
Deepening Engagement with SDGs — Key Pre-requisites
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A revolutionary shift of educational paradigms from the current skill-enhancement
focus to SDG-based sensitivity and proficient knowledge and skill development.
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Realignment of existing and creation of new Faculties and disciplines with the SDGs
as the nucleus of knowledge production, innovation and experimentation.
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Administrative structures and core policies of the University to be devised with
the purpose of attaining SDG aims.
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Create a division of the University Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) which
carries out special audits and prepares benchmarks for SDG-based education,
research and innovation.
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The University must lead by example — adopting green eco-friendly campuses,
providing equitable access to education, and exhibiting institutional social
responsibility.
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The University must assume leadership in strengthening public and organizational
engagement in targeting the SDGs, and initiate multi-stakeholder partnerships and
collaborations across all sections of society.
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The University must build a robust system to lead policy, decision-making and
advocacy in context of the SDGs, and serve as a dynamic pressure group for
implementation of SDG-aligned policies and directives.
Having brought the SDGs to the centre stage, the University proposes to contribute to them
through a five-tiered approach. The SDGs are grouped under four clusters — Social,
Environmental, Economic and Institutional — and these form the core to be targeted through
each tier.
(I) Academic Progression & Erudition
Annual academic plans with updated curriculums, new programmes, new departments
such as Civil Engineering, Agriculture, Tourism & Hospitality, and Department
of Education. New buildings on main and regional campuses. Knowledge production
through edge-cutting research via established centres and chairs.
(II) Efficient Governance & Financial Management
Digitization of core administrative and financial functions as part of e-governance
reforms. Complete switch to e-procurement and Government e-Market Place (GeM). Near
100% digital financial transactions achieved. Almost all University services now
available online to staff and students.
(III) Innovation, Collaboration & Social Outreach
University-Industry Linkage Programme (UILP) facilitating numerous collaborations
and student placements. MoUs with foreign universities and national/international
institutions for academic exchange. Five villages adopted (total population ~8,500)
to develop as model villages with clean air, water, sanitation and education.
(IV) Environment Enrichment & Carbon Footprint Reduction
Planning and implementation of ecological strategies on campus including zero-waste,
zero carbon emissions, rainwater harvesting, grey-water recycling, and vehicle-free
zones. Landscaping and water conservation plans with annual targets are in place
to reduce the University's carbon footprint.
(V) Public, Private, NGO & Community Partnerships
Establishing meaningful partnerships with public and private sector institutions for
job creation and intellectual support. Partnerships with NGOs working at grassroots
levels to target regional problems like drug menace and enhancement of small
businesses. Community outreach targeting vulnerable groups — the poor and
down-trodden — as primary beneficiaries.
The strategic plan reveals the University's intent to reform and overhaul its operations
towards achieving its vision and mission in sync with national and international agendas
evident in the SDG framework. The University shall continue its momentous efforts towards
evolution and achieving high quality academic development — nationally and internationally.
The complete Strategic Plan document of Guru Nanak Dev University is available for download
as an official PDF. The document outlines the University's long-term vision, mission, SDG
alignment, and the detailed five-tiered action plan in its entirety.
Guru Nanak Dev University — Strategic Plan
Official planning document covering Vision, Mission, SDGs & Five-Tiered Action Plan
Download PDF
“The University shall not rest on its existing laurels but continue to better its
performance and upgrade infrastructure and human resource with a view to elevate the
institution to a world leader amongst Higher Education Institutions.”
— GNDU Strategic Plan