The Government College of Education (GCoE) M A Road Srinagar hosted a two-day national conference on Tuesday focusing on “NEP 2020: Innovative Pedagogical Approaches and Evaluation Reforms in Higher Education.” The event was inaugurated by Prof. Dinesh Singh, a prominent educationist and Chairperson of the JK Higher Education Council. The conference saw participation from notable dignitaries across the country, including Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University; Prof. Manisha Priyam from the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, New Delhi; Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Ashai, Director of Colleges, J&K; Prof. (Dr.) Wilayat Rizvi, Registrar of Cluster University; Prof. (Dr.) Syed Nazir Simnani, Principal GDC Bemina; and Prof. (Dr.) Ghulam Jeelani Qurashi, Principal SP College. Faculty members and research scholars from various colleges across J&K also attended.
Academicians from Delhi University, TISS Mumbai, Jammu University, and Jamia Millia Islamia were present at the inaugural session. Prof. Dinesh Singh, the Chief Guest, emphasized the essence of true education, highlighting the significance of deep-spirited activities and citing examples of influential figures like Gandhi, Kabir, Einstein, Mendel, and Milton.
In a special address, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, VC of CUK, noted that J&K is leading the way in implementing NEP-2020. He discussed key aspects of NEP-2020, including learner-centric education, inclusiveness, holistic approaches, personalized degree design, and the academic bank of credits. Prof. Umesh Rai, VC of JU, stressed the importance of connecting education with real-life experiences beyond classroom walls.
Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Ashai, Director of Colleges and patron of the conference, elaborated on the conference theme. Prof. Manisha Priyam from NIEPA spoke about the national perspective on NEP-2020, covering pedagogical approaches, evaluation reforms, breaking disciplinary boundaries, comparing AI and the human mind, open book exams, and creating a knowledge society.
Prof. Seema Naz, Principal of the host college, welcomed the guests and presented an overview of the institution’s achievements in teaching, learning, innovation, internships, and infrastructure development.
The conference will conclude on June 26, 2024, with paper presentations from scholars across J&K on topics such as innovative pedagogical approaches, multi-mode teaching, and assessment and evaluation in higher education.