PULWAMA: The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Pulwama, organized a three-day Orientation Programme on Art and Skill Integration in Classrooms from July 15 to July 17, 2026, in accordance with the vision and recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, designed to equip teachers with innovative pedagogical approaches that integrate art, creativity, and skill-based learning into everyday classroom practices.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome and introductory session delivered by Ms. Rozy Qureshi, Principal, DIET Pulwama, who emphasized the significance of NEP 2020 and highlighted the growing need for transforming traditional teaching methods into learner-centered and activity-based approaches. She explained that education in the twenty-first century requires students to develop not only academic knowledge but also creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and practical life skills.
The orientation programme featured several distinguished resource persons and education experts who shared their experiences and expertise on various aspects of art and skill integration. Among the key speakers were Qamar-un-Nisa, Tasleema Jan, and Altaf Hussain Qadri, who conducted insightful sessions on integrating creative and practical activities into classroom teaching. Their presentations focused on the role of art in enhancing cognitive development, emotional expression, and student engagement.
A significant focus of the programme was on skill-based education, one of the major components of NEP 2020. The speakers explained that modern education should prepare students for real-life challenges by developing practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and entrepreneurial thinking.
The programme was effectively coordinated by Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, who ensured the smooth organization and successful conduct of all sessions. Dr. Shabena Yaseen, a faculty member of DIET and a resource person, focused on the practical implementation of art-integrated pedagogy in schools, explaining how teachers can design lesson plans that incorporate artistic activities while maintaining alignment with curricular objectives. Another resource person, Ashiq Khanday, provided valuable insights into the effective use of educational resources and innovative classroom strategies.
One of the most informative sessions was conducted by Rashid Ahmad, who focused on the importance of art models and project-based learning in classrooms. He demonstrated how teachers can prepare various educational models using simple and easily available materials to explain complex concepts in a visual and interactive manner. Participants were guided on how to introduce these models in classrooms and integrate them into regular teaching practices.
Throughout the three days, participants engaged in discussions, demonstrations, group activities, and reflective exercises. A major theme that emerged was the importance of creating a joyful learning environment, with resource persons emphasizing that students learn best when they feel motivated, engaged, and emotionally connected to the learning process.
The programme also highlighted the role of teachers as facilitators of learning rather than mere transmitters of information, and demonstrated how art-integrated pedagogy can support the broader objectives of NEP 2020, including multidisciplinary learning, experiential education, flexibility, creativity, and the development of twenty-first-century competencies.
The final day concluded with a vote of thanks and prize distribution ceremony conducted by Dr. Shabir, who expressed gratitude to the principal, resource persons, coordinators, and participants. The programme successfully enhanced teachers’ understanding of art-integrated pedagogy, skill-based education, and the objectives of NEP 2020, equipping educators with practical tools, innovative strategies, and renewed motivation to create engaging, inclusive, and learner-centered classrooms.
Report by Aasima Aziz, the author of ‘Whispers of the Kashmir Valley’. She can be reached at aa***********@***il.com