The Department of Gandhian Studies, Panjab University

The Department of Gandhian Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, counts its internationally acclaimed teachers and a friendly atmosphere among its strengths. Most students, be it senior government officers or foreign nationals, are appreciative of the stimulating teacher-student relationship.

Started as a single teacher, single chair and single student institution in 1965, the department now offers MA, M Phil and PhD courses. "We have so far conferred PhDs to around 46 scholars, some of whom are chief justices of various high courts, toppers of various competitive examinations, lawyers, corporate professionals and other senior government officials," says Dr Manohar Lal Sharma, chairperson, Department of Gandhian Studies, Panjab University.

Kiyanoush Ghalavand, 37, a research scholar from Iran, lauded the department's efforts to create awareness on ideals of Gandhiji. "I ... first heard about Gandhiji when I saw the film Gandhi while I was in school. As a child, I was amazed by the ideals of Gandhiji and always wanted to follow his ethics," says Ghalavand.

He says that the atmosphere, both in the department and in Chandigarh, is very suitable for foreign students. Kiyanoush is not the only international student in the department. There are around 10 students from countries such as Thailand, South Korea and Iran.

Bhupinder Singh Bedi, a superintendent in the Department of Customs, currently posted at the Attari border, is a student at the department and is about to submit his PhD thesis.

"This department is doing yeoman's service to the nation. Infrastructure here is quite advanced compared to other departments," he says.

The placement scenario is also very good. Dr Sharma, who was conferred with the Gandhi-Vinoba Peace Award in 2008, says that a lot of his students have been placed in various national and international NGOs, judicial services, teaching, including assignments in Australia, Canada and in a few African countries. Some have also joined the banking sector.

Sharma says the department is hoping to focus more on topics such as sustainable development, panchayati raj and rural development.