Webinar held on Philosophy & Background of NEP 2020
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 16 Dec: A state-level webinar on the Philosophy and Background of the National Education Policy–2020 (NEP 2020) was organised by the ‘Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh’. The webinar was chaired by Professor VP Shrivastava of Shridev Suman University. The programme was conducted by Provincial General Secretary Dr Anil Nautiyal, while the introduction of all invited guests and office bearers was done by Provincial Additional General Secretary (Higher Education) Dr Parul Dixit. She also highlighted the differences between the old education system and the present education system.
The Chief Guest at the webinar, Mahendra Kumar, National Senior Vice President of Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh and In-charge of Uttarakhand, emphasised the effective implementation of NEP 2020. He stated that, for this purpose, webinars and discussion forums should be organised regularly at the district and block levels so that, both, students and teachers can derive maximum benefit. He said that India can once again become a Vishwaguru only through quality education, and teachers play a crucial role in this transformation, as it is possible only through their dedication.
As a distinguished guest, Dr Alka Suri, National Women Vice President of the organisation, introduced the Mahasangh and informed that it is active in 29 states across the country, with more than 1.3 million teachers from primary to higher education associated with it. She said that the objective of the organisation is to build education in the interest of the nation, teachers in the interest of education, and society in the interest of teachers.
The keynote speaker, Professor HC Purohit, educationist and professor at Doon University, delivered a detailed and impactful lecture on “National Education Policy 2020: Philosophy and Background”. He shed light on the Indian knowledge tradition, educational philosophy, and the ancient Indian education system, explaining that, in Indian tradition, the teacher is regarded as a source of inspiration, a guide, and the foundation of society. He mentioned the seven qualities of a teacher described in the Skanda Purana and the five characteristics of a teacher described by Western scholar Ariola. Explaining the difference between a king and a scholar, he quoted: “Swadeshe Pujyate Raja, Vidwan Sarvatra Pujyate” (A king is respected in his own country, but a scholar is respected everywhere).
Professor Purohit also stated that NEP 2020 is an important medium to realise the five pledges announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address from the Red Fort on 15 August 2022. He said that teachers have a vital role in achieving the goals of building a developed India, freedom from the mentality of slavery, pride in cultural heritage, unity, and the fulfilment of civic duties. Through references from Indian scriptures and scientific examples, he explained that ancient India possessed profound knowledge in astronomy, medicine, Ayurveda, mathematics, architecture, and environmental conservation, which needs to be integrated with modern education.
He further stated that Doon University is starting various branches of higher education related to Indian Knowledge Tradition, Hindu Studies, and Indian Philosophy, enabling students to pursue specialised studies in these fields.
Presiding over the programme, Professor VP Shrivastava expressed gratitude to all guests, the keynote speaker, the chief guest, and the participants. He emphasised the need to organise discussion forums and webinars at district and regional levels on various aspects of NEP 2020 in the future.
The webinar was attended by Professor Narendra Kandwal, Garhwal Division President Dr Narendra Singh Tomar, Provincial Media In-charge Sanjay Kumar Saini, Dehradun District President Neeraj Saini, District Minister Tejendra Dheeman, Dr KK Bangwal, Ashutosh Purohit, Dr DS Negi, Dr Prakash Lakhera, Meenakshi Uniyal, Mamta, Anita, Sanjeev Kumar Saini, Block President, Raipur, Dehradun, Dr Ankit, Sushil Kumar, Pankaj Kulwant Bal (Provincial Vice President), Uttam Sharma, Yashoda, Gyan Darshan, Dinesh Chandra, Dr Prachi, Vinod Kumar, Jagdish, Hari Singh, Dr Suman Gosai, Gajendra Singh, Dr Chandrakant Tiwari, Hari Shankar Yagyik, Rajmukund Pathak, Om Prakash Benzwal, Sanjeev Dobhal, Jagpal Singh (Former President, Haridwar), Ravindra Rod (Acting President, Haridwar), and many other office bearers and participants.
The webinar concluded with the chanting of the mantra by Dr Parul Dixit:
“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Bhavantu Niramayah, Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Ma Kashchid Dukhabhag Bhavet.”
