12^th Summer Program in Punjab Studies, Chandigarh
July 6 - August 16, 2008

2008 Summer Program Participants with the Editor of the Tribune

I am glad to report that the 12th Summer Program in Punjab Studies went very well. The group included thirteen participants who came from ten universities. It was gratifying to them learning about the Punjab. The precise ranking they assigned to various aspects of the program was as follows:

Jawalamukhi

The additional comments were invariably positive, some of the sentiments expressed read:

“The program was very stimulating and fruitful overall. It is definitely one of a kind and I would consider it a must for anyone entering into the field of Punjab and/or Sikh studies. The major strengths are of course the outstanding contacts with a full galaxy of top scholars, researchers, and leaders in the field, as well as the knowledgeable guidance and introduction of the various important themes that arise in Punjab and Sikh Studies.”

At the Wagah Border

“An excellent and enriching program. The greatest strength of the program is, by far, the academic sessions, through which my own graduate work was corrected, contextualized, and recontextualized.”

Pinjore Gardens

“Overall, a fantastic program! I am so happy for all the knowledge I have gained and it has definitely provided me with an excellent foundation in Punjab Studies.”

At the Darbar Sahib, Amritsar

“Wonderful program! I hope this program continues for another 12 years.”

Summer Program Participants with Jathedar Joginder Singh

Some felt the need for more time for “individual research,” “writing Punjabi,” “listening to the language and engaging with the people,” and “travel.” Though hard, I will try to do my best to incorporate these suggestions in the years ahead.

At the Nihang Center, Patiala

Finally, Professor Shinder Thandi of Coventry University, U.K., has been of great help in running the program in the past years and I am grateful that he has agreed to be part of this in the years ahead. Both of us hope to further strengthen this fruitful interaction between overseas scholars eager to learn about the Punjab and local luminaries with distinguished expertise in wide array of fields willing to impart their experiences and knowledge.

Gurinder Singh Mann

Jain Temple from Kangra Fort

Admiring the View from Kangra Fort