Srinagar: On the eve of Teachers’ Day, the Department of Education, University of Kashmir (KU) organized a National Webinar on ‘New Educational Era: Teachers’ Role and Responsibilities’.
The key speakers at the occasion were Prof. Ummi Kulsoom, Former Dean and Chairperson, Department of Education, Bangalore University, Prof. Sanjeev Sonawane, Dean Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Pune University, Prof. Mohiuddin Sangmi , Dean College Development Council, University of Kashmir and Prof. Mehmood Ahmad Khan, Former Dean Faculty of Education.
The Dean College Development Council, presided over the Webinar.
Prof. Mohiuddin Sangmi, DCDC KU in his presidential address stressed on equipping the teachers as demanded under new Education Policy (NEP)2020 and added that since the demands of the new education policy are somehow new, it becomes necessary to evaluate the qualities of a teacher in the society.
He said that a well equipped teacher can transform information into knowledge and knowledge into wisdom.
“ As per NEP-2020, a teacher should be fully conversant and equipped with the teaching skills and it is for this reason that a 4-years of B.Ed program has been made imperative,” said Prof Sangmi.
Prof. Ummi Kulsoom, in her key note address emphasized on the reformative role of education in the fast changing world order. Referring to the present challenges that students face in the pandemic conditions, she highlighted the role of teachers and invited them to read the minds of students.
“ In view of the prevailing situations, where a teacher is left with limited resources, it is imperative that the teacher has to be more progressive,” said Prof Kulsoom.
She maintained that the influence of a teacher never ends, it is the teacher who shapes the future of the individuals and the society. Prof. Sanjeev Sonawani emphasized on the fact that technological changes affect every sector of the society and education is not an exception.
She added “Since internet has completely changed the classroom teaching, a teacher has to be abreast with the technological knowhow. In these times of tremendous global changes, a teacher needs to be more skillful and more compatible and empathetic to serve the student community.”
Professor Mahmood Ahmad Khan, Former Dean Faculty of Education, while highlighting teachers’ role in shaping the future of the country, emphasized on the characteristics of an ideal teacher and said that an ideal teacher is a co-learner with the students and is a stimulator of knowledge and wisdom.
Earlier Head, Department of Education KU Prof. Tasleema Jan while presenting her inaugural speech, highlighted the role of the Department of Education as being the nerve centre of teacher education in the Valley. While appreciating the new Educational Policy-2020, which recommends the introduction of 4-year integrated course in Teacher Education in all teacher education institutions, she held that it would attract the young and talented minds towards the noble profession of teaching.
While appreciating the role of teachers disbursing their duties satisfactorily during the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, she hinted that the pandemic has thrown away new challenges for teachers and that there is a need to work out new methods and modes of teaching and evaluation.
Dr. Mohammad Ameen Assistant Professor Deptt. Of Education presented the vote of thanks while Dr. Manzoor Ahmad and Dr Shabir Hameed Assistant professors of the Department convened the one Day Webinar.

KR Desk