GANDERBAL: Central University of Kashmir (CUK), in collaboration with the UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, on Monday started an eight-day online NEP Orientation and Sensitization Programme aimed at strengthening faculty capacity for effective implementation of the NEP-2020.
Addressing the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor, CUKashmir, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, said NEP-2020 marks a significant shift from information-centric education to learner-centric education designed to meet the aspirations of the emerging generation. He emphasized that higher educational institutions must adopt inclusive academic models catering to the diverse needs of students by integrating research, skill development and community engagement. He observed that institutions should nurture students according to their abilities, backgrounds and interests while creating opportunities for research internships, industry exposure and community-based learning. Prof. A Ravinder Nath underscored that such an approach would foster innovation, intellectual property creation and entrepreneurship while reducing dependence on conventional employment avenues.
In her speech, Vice-Chancellor, NIEPA, Prof. Shashikala Wanjari, stressed that while orientation is important, sensitization remains the cornerstone of meaningful implementation of NEP-2020. She observed that educators have a greater responsibility to nurture values alongside academic excellence, enabling students to become responsible citizens committed to national development.
Prof. Wanjari said education should transcend the mere dissemination of content and instead empower learners to identify societal challenges, develop solutions and imbibe the spirit of patriotism, collective responsibility and holistic development.
Director, MMTTC-NIEPA, Prof. Amit Gautam, said the collaborative initiative reflects the shared commitment of NIEPA and the Central University of Kashmir towards democratizing quality faculty development across the country. He noted that NEP-2020 represents a generational shift towards a flexible, multidisciplinary and learner-centric education system, with teachers serving as the principal architects of this transformation. He urged participants to actively engage in discussions, exchange best practices and deliberate upon institutional challenges during the programme. Prof. Aarti Srivastava, Programme Batch Director, delivered the welcome address and introduced the dignitaries, Dr. V. Sucharita, Programme Batch Coordinator, conducted the proceedings, Dr. P. Shankar explained the modalities of the programme and Dr. Haribhau R. Bhapkar, Programme Batch local coordinator and HoD, Deptt of Mathematics, proposed the vote of thanks.