Organisers, resource persons, and participants during the seminar on NEP 2020 held at Pfutsero Government College.
Pfutsero, September 29 (MExN): Pfutsero Government College (PGC) organised a seminar on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on holistic and multidisciplinary education, implementation strategies, research innovation and digital learning.
The inaugural session was chaired by Dr Wetsou Medo, IDPC (NEP 2020), Nodal Officer. PGC Principal Dr Anungla Pongener delivered the welcome address, while Dr Medongoi Rhakho, Joint Director, Higher Education, presented the concept note. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Vesatolu, Assistant Professor, Department of English.
Presenting the concept note, Dr Rhakho called for moving beyond the conventional education system inherited from the British model towards a more student-centred and inclusive system. He said education should not create a distinction between "winners" and "losers", but should enable every student to succeed by recognising individual abilities, interests and potential.
He also highlighted the "cafeteria approach" in education, which allows students greater freedom to choose subjects, courses, activities and learning options according to their interests, abilities and career goals.
The first technical session featured Dr Boyillapalli Venkata Rao, who spoke on "Holistic and Multidisciplinary Education under NEP 2020." The session was moderated by Dr Thungdemo N Yanthan, Assistant Professor, PGC, and was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session.
Dr Rao discussed the incorporation of different subject parameters through multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, which he said could facilitate critical thinking and a broader understanding of perspectives. He also stressed that successful implementation of NEP 2020 requires coordinated efforts, institutional preparedness and appropriate policy mechanisms.
The second technical session, moderated by Chothazo Nienu, Assistant Professor, PGC, focused on "Implementation Strategies and Challenges of NEP 2020". The resource person, Dr Samadangla, Associate Professor, discussed challenges in implementing the policy, including those specific to the local context.
Among the strategies discussed were the incorporation of SWAYAM, strategic structuring of courses such as Multidisciplinary Courses (MDC), Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) and Value Added Courses (VAC), and strengthening channels between affiliated colleges and the university.
The session also highlighted the need for effective communication of grievances to the parent bodies, including Higher Education and Nagaland University. Creation of core committees or task forces in colleges to facilitate better understanding of NEP 2020 was also proposed.
The post-lunch session featured a panel discussion on "Research Innovations and Digital Learning under NEP 2020", moderated by Zhovi Dukru, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science.
Dr Samadangla presented on "Revitalizing Naga Traditional Knowledge Systems through Research & Curriculum Development", stressing the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into research and curriculum development. The discussion highlighted the need to balance documentation, research, curriculum integration and community ownership in revitalising Naga traditional knowledge systems.
Akangjungshi Longkumer spoke on "Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Research", highlighting the emerging role of AI in academic research. He said, "AI should be used as a tool for thought. AI should challenge, it should not obey." Issues concerning curriculum, internships, revitalisation of indigenous knowledge systems and the use of AI, among others, were also discussed during the seminar.
The programme concluded with remarks by Mhabeni W, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology. Academicians from Pfutsero Government College and Phek Government College participated in the seminar.
