NEP will transform the higher educational institutions into large multi-disciplinary University cluster and knowledge hubs, says Dr K Kasturirangan
New Delhi: The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have successfully organized a webinar on the theme, ‘National Education Policy 2020: Realizing Aspirations of the 21st Century Youth’ on October 06, 2021.
The chief guest of the inaugural ceremony was space scientist Dr. K Kasturirangan, Chairman of the National Education Policy Drafting Committee and former Chairman, ISRO.
The inaugural ceremony was also blessed with the presence of eminent personalities Sanjay Murthy, Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Education, Pramath Raj Sinha, founding Dean of Indian School of Business, founder of Harappa Education, Ashoka University, Haryana, Sanjay Murthy, Professor MK Sridhar, former Dean of Management Studies, Bangalore University, Member of National Educational Policy Committee, AICTE chairman Professor Anil Sahasrabudhe, AICTE vice-chairman Professor MP Poonia, and AICTE Member Secretary Professor Rajive Kumar.
During the inaugural speech, Dr. K Kasturirangan lauded AICTE for its efforts in revolutionizing the Indian educational sector. He also added that AICTE, in line with the National Educational Policy, has innovated its role towards transformation from a mere regulator to a facilitator and an enabler.
“The National Education Policy will transform the higher educational institutions into large multi-disciplinary universities and knowledge hubs, each with more than 3000 students. It will enable students to become well-rounded with artistic, creative, and analytical capabilities. The policy thus highlights better management of resources at all levels and lays greater emphasis on research, be it fundamental applied research, translational research, and research to analyze specific needs of the country.
Dr. K Kasturirangan also added that National Educational Technology Forum is a new entity that is recommended by the National Education Policy. He also made it clear that the National Educational Technology Forum is an autonomous body, and it will provide a crucial platform for dialogues between educators and tech-entrepreneurs.
“I am convinced that educational technologies are fertile domain for entrepreneurs, and the forum will help these entrepreneurs better understand the type of challenges educators are facing so that they can develop effective technological solutions,” asserted Dr. K Kasturirangan.
“AICTE, through all its schemes and endeavours is trying to fulfill the objectives of the National Education Policy. The new National Education Policy is going to empower our young children. AICTE now has an AI-powered translation tool, specially designed for engineering students. It allows translating educational content into Indian languages. We have now internships embedded in our curriculum, so as students will come out with a skill set to get a job, while some others will turn entrepreneurs. I strongly believe that the National Education Policy will make a confident India in the coming years,” said Professor Anil Sahasrabudhe, AICTE Chairman.
“The National Education Policy has already laid out a pathway of integrated vocational and skilling in this entire framework we have adopted. We are moving in that direction where the National Education Policy will allow youth to get their jobs after they come out from higher educational institutes. Initiatives of AICTE to translate English content to Indian regional languages is a path-breaking initiative,” said Sanjay Murthy, Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Education.
“Having worked closely with students for over 25 years, I feel I can comment a bit on their aspirations. Young people want a career that could secure their life, and a higher standard of living. Most students want assurance of job after the completion of their higher education. He also focused on ‘The Great resignation’, where more than 50 million youth resigned their jobs in 2020 to re-evaluate their life choices. The National Education Policy 2020 is expected to give this assurance to the students so that they can become successful in their life and academics,” said Pramath Raj Sinha, founding Dean of Indian School of Business, founder of Harappa Education, Ashoka University, Haryana.
Professor MK Sridhar, former Dean of Management Studies, Bangalore University, Member of National Educational Policy Drafting Committee said, “21st-century youth are very adventurous, and experimental. They want to contribute to the Nation. They wish to create something very different. The National Education Policy really connects with those minds. It is not just about learning the syllabus, it literally connects to such minds and such aspirations.”
“Dr. K Kasturirangan is a very dynamic person and he is instrumental in revamping educational policy. He believes in diversity in education and holistic learning. AICTE has been hosting schemes and quality initiatives for a self-reliant and vibrant India,” said AICTE Vice-Chairman Dr. MP Poonia while welcoming the chief guest of the inauguration ceremony.
During the vote of thanks, AICTE Member Secretary Professor Rajive Kumar said, “I thank Dr. K Kasturirangan for providing valuable insight into the National Education Policy. In this revolutionary journey, AICTE through all its schemes, and endeavours will be committed to implementing National Education Policy in letter and spirit.”