Central University of Punjab organized Webinar on Importance of Indian Languages in National Educational Policy 2020
Bathinda: Central University of Punjab organised Webinar on “Importance of Indian Languages in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020”. CUPB IQAC Cell led by Prof. S.K. Bawa organised the 5th webinar on ‘NEP Webinar Series’ under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari. On this occasion, Prof. Kuldip Chand Agnihotri, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, was the Chief Guest & keynote speaker.
At the start, Prof. Tarun Arora, Dean School of Legal Studies welcomed the participants, introduced the Chief Guest, and put a light on programme theme. Keynote speaker Prof. Kuldip Chand Agnihotri mentioned that CUPB is blessed to be situated in the Malwa Region which is also referred to as the Karam Bhumi of Shri Guru Gobind Singh and this area was also a part of ‘Sapt Sindhu Region’ where ‘Takshshila University’ the famous university of ancient times was originated. He stated that since the imposition of the English Education Act enacted by Lord William Bentinck in the year 1835, the NEP-2020 is the first truly Indian Education Policy that gives importance to teaching in mother tongue language. He asserted that the English Education System introduced by British East India Company separated us from our native languages, our culture, our values, and our rich literature written by our ancient scholars. He referred that tenth Sikh Guru established Nirmala Panth to promote knowledge in our native languages. He highlighted the rich knowledge we possess in our ancient Sanskrit Language by referring to Khagol Vidya used to study stars and underlined that the introduction of English Language has made our ancient literature irrelevant to us.
During his keynote address, Prof. Agnihotri gave examples of countries like France, Isreal, South Korea who succeed by learning in their own language and stressed that learning in mother tongue language provides a better understanding of concepts as compared to learning in a foreign language. He appealed to teachers to disseminate the knowledge acquired in a foreign language into mother tongue language which can eliminate the language barrier and create a knowledgeable society. He also encourages researchers to write their thesis in Indian Languages to promote scientific temperament and innovation in our country. He concluded that effective implementation of innovative reforms introduced in NEP-2020 will surely make India a knowledge centre of the world.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tiwari communicated his gratitude towards Prof. Agnihotri for making participants aware of rich knowledge we possess in Indian Languages and sharing his thoughts on the topic of the Webinar. He stressed that our culture has taught us values such as living life in harmony with nature, Vishwa Bandhutava, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakum, Athithi Devo Bhava etc which can be inculcated in our future generation by teaching in our mother-tongue language. He urged subject experts to translate famous English Books into our native language to enhance the access to knowledge to all.
Towards the end, Registrar Shri K.P.S. Mundra delivered the formal vote of thanks.
This Webinar was attended by Prof. V.K. Garg, Dean Student Welfare, Prof. R.K. Wusirika, Dean Incharge Academics, Academicians from across the country, faculty, staff members, and students of the university.