Gorakhpur:
“Skilled students are the future of India,” stated Prof. Dr. K. Prathapan, Vice Chancellor of D. Y. Patil Agriculture and Technical University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra and Chief Guest, during the valedictory function of the 7th Online NEP Orientation and Sensitization Program, organized by the UGC Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC) at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Prathapan emphasized the rising significance of skill-based education in the contemporary landscape of learning and employment. He commended the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for placing skill development at its core, aimed at empowering students with practical, employable competencies vital for the 21st-century workforce. Calling NEP a visionary and well-structured reform, he praised its multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary framework, which fosters holistic education, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and application-based learning. “The NEP goes beyond rote memorization, promoting a broad-based, inclusive, and future-ready academic environment,” he remarked. Addressing the implementation challenges of NEP, Dr. Prathapan pointed out institutional hurdles, including curriculum redesign, faculty preparedness, and infrastructure alignment. He also called for a reimagining of the Ph.D. program, stressing that doctoral research must be driven by quality, integrity, and national relevance. Highlighting the role of technology, he advocated for the integration of emerging tools such as AI, data analytics, and digital platforms to enhance educational delivery. “Technology is not an option anymore it is essential for transforming our classrooms and creating globally competent learners,” he added.
The success of the week-long online orientation program was made possible by the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Poonam Tandon, whose support and guidance played a key role in the smooth execution of the event. Prof. Dr. Chandrashekhar, Director of UGC-MMTTC, provided strategic direction and ensured the academic rigor of the sessions. Dr. Raju Gupta, Assistant Director of UGC-MMTTC, contributed significantly to the coordination and management of the program logistics, while Dr. Sanjay K. Ram, Program Coordinator, ensured the seamless planning and execution of sessions, engaging expert resource persons and maintaining high levels of participation. Dr. Sanjeev Vishvakarma also played a vital role in academic coordination and participant support.
The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members and academic professionals across the country. It featured expert lectures and interactive sessions on various dimensions of NEP 2020, with a focus on its implementation strategies at the institutional level. The event concluded with a collective resolve to carry forward the objectives of NEP 2020 and contribute to the transformation of India’s education system through knowledge, innovation, and skill development.
The program was initiated and anchored by Coordinator Dr. Sanjay K. Ram; the guest introduction was given by Dr. Sandeep Wategaonkar, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Sanjeev Vishvakarma.
