Bhubaneswar: Odisha Higher Education Minister Surjyabanshi Suraj on Tuesday emphasized the importance of rediscovering India’s true history during the inaugural session of the two-day capacity-building programme focused on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The event, organized by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, in collaboration with Utkal University, here brought together over 500 academic administrators and college principals from across Odisha.
In his address, the Education Minister highlighted that the NEP 2020 is a priority for the State government. Reflecting on the early days of the new government led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, he noted that the implementation of NEP 2020 was central to educational roadmap. He commended the Vice Chancellors and faculty members of Odisha’s universities for their swift response in designing syllabi aligned with the principles of NEP 2020.
The Minister underscored the significance of NEP 2020 in reconnecting students with India’s rich cultural heritage. He drew parallels between the historical Paika Rebellion, a lesser-known yet pivotal uprising against British rule, and the current need to liberate Indian education from colonial influences. Despite 77 years of independence, he remarked, India continues to be shaped by an education system designed to produce clerks for the British administration. However, with the NEP 2020, India stands at the threshold of becoming a Vishwa Guru, or world leader in education.
In a powerful statement, the Minister advocated for the use of mother tongue in education, noting its role in fostering critical thinking. He chose to deliver his speech in Odia, emphasizing that it allows him to be more honest and true to himself. He concluded by asserting that the NEP 2020 is crucial for “state and nation building.”
The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Prof. Sabita Acharya, Vice Chancellor of Utkal University, Prof. Shashikala Wanjari, Vice Chancellor of NIEPA, Prof. Kumar Suresh, Director (Planning & Development) at NIEPA, and Prof. Nigamananda Das, Director of the College Development Council at Utkal University.
Prof. Sabita Acharya, in her welcome address, highlighted Utkal University’s initiatives towards NEP 2020 implementation, including workshops conducted through the MMTTC and the College Development Council. She expressed her gratitude to NIEPA for choosing Utkal University as the host institution for this significant program, which aims to strengthen NEP implementation at all levels.
Prof. Kumar Suresh, the program coordinator from NIEPA, provided an overview of the two-day event, emphasizing its interactive and dialogic nature. He described NEP 2020 as a transformative tool for India’s higher education institutions.
Prof. Shashikala Wanjari elaborated on the NEP 2020 framework, designed to instill a “spirit of being an Indian” in students, while fostering holistic development based on the Panchakosha Vikas concept.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Nigamananda Das. The event also saw the presence of Vice Chancellors from Berhampur and Gangadhar Meher University, among others.
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