Achieving NEP-2020 goals hinges on its implementation in letter and spirit: CUK VC

Ganderbal, Nov 11: Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Vice-Chancellor, Prof A Ravinder Nath, Monday, described the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 as a transformative blueprint and corner stone for India’s education system, aiming to foster holistic development, employability, skill acquisition, and critical thinking of the younger generation.

“Achieving the policy's ambitious goals hinges on its true and thorough implementation in the letter and spirit, meaning both adhering to the guidelines and embracing the underlying vision,” Prof A Ravinder Nath said, in his Presidential address while inaugurating a one-day seminar on “NEP-2020 and Innovations in Teacher Education: Building the Foundations of Viksit Bharat,” organised by the School of Education, to commemorate the National Education Day, celebrated on November 11 every year to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, first Minister of Education of the country.

Professor S K Mehta, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof Pankaj Arora, Chairman, NCTE and NIOS, Prof Pradeep Kumar, Director, CBRI, Roorkee, Prof Shahid Rasool, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani, Dean School of Education, Prof Sandhya Tiwari, Dean International Affairs, Prof Farooq Ahmad, Mir Dean School of Legal Studies, Dr Tanveer Ahmad Shah, Controller of Examinations, Dr Mehraj ud Din Shah, Finance Officer, Dr Arif Nazir Zargar, Director Admissions, faculty members, research scholars, administrative staff and students were present.

CUK Vice-Chancellor, said the policy envisions a significant shift toward a student-centric learning environment that promotes flexibility, inclusivity, and global competitiveness. “It gives regional languages a prominent role, and a more seamless transition to higher education with a credit-based system. Implementing these provisions are essential for structural consistency across the country,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Pankaj Arora, who was the chief guest said, the NEP-2020 marks a transformative shift in India’s approach to education, especially in teacher education, emphasising both innovation and cultural grounding as essential for building a "Viksit Bharat".

“The policy introduces key changes in structure, curriculum, and pedagogy to create a responsive and dynamic education system aligned with the country's aspirations and global educational standards,” he said, adding the policy aims to enhance teacher education through innovative reforms, equipping educators with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to foster a forward-looking and inclusive India.

Addressing the participants, Professor S K Mehta, underscored the need to hold threadbare discussions on the papers to be presented during the seminar. “These discussions will address the difficulties and challenges confronted by the teachers in implementing the NEP-2020 on the ground and will also come up with the possible solutions for the same,” Prof Mehta said. He further added that the policy will play a pivotal role in revitalizing the Indian knowledge system, promoting entrepreneurship and also skill development.

In his PPT, “Role of Academic Institutions as Nation Building,” Prof Pradeep Kumar, said, the teachers have an important role and responsibility to channelise the energy of the youth in a positive direction. “One of the core responsibilities of teachers is to inspire and engage students in meaningful ways, by creating an interactive and inclusive environment, they can encourage students to explore their interests, develop critical thinking, and set productive goals. Through empathy, patience, and personalised guidance, teachers help students build confidence, resilience, and ethical values, preparing them to make positive contributions to society,” he added.