Tag: dailyprompt-1869

TWO-DAY VISITOR’S CONFERENCE AT RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN

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The two-day Visitor’s Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan concluded today.

The Conference deliberated on the themes – Flexibility in academic courses, Credit Sharing and Credit Transfer with multiple entry and exit options; Internationalisation efforts and collaboration; Translation Research and Innovation related to converting research or innovation into useful products and services; Effective student selection processes and respecting student choices in context of NEP; and Effective assessments and evaluation. The outcome of deliberations was presented before the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu.

In her concluding remarks, the President said that our national goal is to make India a developed country before the end of the first half of this century. To achieve this goal, all stakeholders of the educational institutions and students would have to move forward with a global mindset. Young students would make a more effective identity for themselves in the 21st century world with the strengthening of internationalisation efforts and collaborations. Availability of excellent education in our higher education institutions would decrease the tendency to study abroad. Our young talent would be better utilized in nation building.

The President said that India is moving towards becoming the third largest economy in the world. Being self-reliant is the hallmark of a truly developed, large and strong economy. Self-reliance based on research and innovation would strengthen our enterprises and economy. Such research and innovation should get every possible support. She highlighted that in developed economies, the academia-industry interface appears strong. Due to continuous exchange between the industry and higher education institutions, research work remains linked to the needs of the economy and society. She urged the heads of institutions of higher learning to make institutional efforts to have continuous discussions with senior people of industrial institutions in mutual interest. She said that this would benefit the teachers and students doing research work. She also told them that connecting the laboratories of educational institutions with local, regional, national and global needs should be their priority.

The President said that it is imperative and challenging to have an education system that is system-based and flexible according to the special talents and needs of the students. In this context, there is a need to remain constantly alert and active. Appropriate changes should continue to take place based on experience. Empowering students should be the objective of such changes.

The President said that a nation becomes strong and developed only on the strength of characterful, sensible and capable youth. In educational institutions, the character, prudence and capability of our young students are developed. She expressed confidence that the heads of institutions of higher learning would achieve the proud ideals of higher education and would present a bright future to the young children of Mother India.

Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, while addressing the gathering, expressed his gratitude to President Smt. Droupadi Murmu for her guidance and words of inspiration during the inauguration and the concluding session. He also expressed gratitude to academic leaders for their active participation and meaningful discussions at the Visitor’s Conference. He noted that their diverse perspectives and forward-thinking ideas had enriched the confluence and contributed to shaping a roadmap for the country’s bright future. 

Highlighting the collective responsibility of shaping India’s education system, he emphasized that the swift and large-scale implementation of NEP 2020 should be a national mission. 

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he affirmed that with collective efforts, a shared vision, and strong commitment, the education system could be redefined, paving the way for a knowledge-driven, self-reliant Bharat on its journey to becoming a developed country by 2047. 

He further underscored the significance of students as the most important stakeholders and the backbone of the education system. 

Reiterating the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he stressed the importance of prioritizing students’ interests by investing in their education, equipping them with the right skills, empowering them to dream big, and supporting them in achieving their aspirations—not merely as an academic obligation but as a duty toward the nation.

Union Minister of State for Education & Development of the North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar presented the Vote of Thanks. Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Dr. Vineet Joshi presented the summary of the session. Shri Amit Khare, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Smt. Deepti Umashankar, Secretary to the President were also graced the occasion. Officials of the President’s house, Ministry of Education and Heads of Higher Education Institutes were also present at the event.

In addition to summing up the key takeaways of the five sessions, Dr. Joshi, in his speech, stated that the conference had served as a platform that brought together visionary leaders, educationists, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of higher education in India. He highlighted that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which is a transformational reform rooted in ancient Indian principles, upholds the pursuit of knowledge (Gyan), wisdom (Pragyaa), and truth (Satya) as the highest human goals. He emphasized the five key pillars of NEP 2020, which are Learner-Centric Education, Digital Learning, Academic Research and Internationalization, Industry-Institute Collaboration, and Indian Knowledge Systems. The policy is aimed at creating a holistic, inclusive, high-quality, and accessible education ecosystem, he also added.

Session Summary:

Session 1:

The theme of the 1st Session was Flexibility in academic courses, Credit Sharing and Credit Transfer with multiple entry and exit options. The session summary was presented by Prof. Anand Bhalerao, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Rajasthan. He informed the key snippets of the deliberation, which were, The Need for Academic Flexibility; Credit Sharing and Transfer: A Pathway to Student Mobility; Global Best Practices as a Model for India; Multiple Entry and Exit Options Will Democratize Higher Education; and Challenges in implementation and the way forward. The Session also focused on areas of focus such as institutional readiness, Inter-university coordination, technology and infrastructure, Quality Control, and Regulatory Framework. He also informed the recommendations of the Panel which were strengthening policy and regulatory framework, building digital infrastructure for credit transfer, enhancing university collaboration and partnership, capacity building for faculty and administrators, ensuring student awareness and engagements and fostering industry collaboration and skill development.

Session 2:

The theme of the 2nd session was Internationalization efforts and collaborations and Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC, presented the summary. He highlighted the great potential that India has for the Internationalization of Education. Three kinds of Internationalization were discussed during the deliberation, which were encouraging Indian institutions to set up campuses outside India, the potential India has to attract international students and providing high-quality international education to Indian students in India. He especially highlighted how discussions were carried out on keeping Global South in focus. He also emphasized how Institutes can implement NEP2020, introducing the Indian Knowledge System to international students to present a unique opportunity.

Session 3:

The theme of the 3rd session was Translation Research and Innovatio. Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, presented the session summary for this session. He highlighted a few challenges the HEIs face in translational research and innovation from Lab to Land. He showed the link between Science (Know-Why), Engineering (Know-How) and ‘Technology’ (Show-How). Emphasizing the importance of fundamental research, he listed the factors important for changing the faculty mindset (Publications to Products); not diluting fundamental research; link between Product patents and research papers; inspiring to solve local problems (society, industry);  Translational research fellowships etc. The factors needed for building the necessary ecosystem; How to attract and partner with industry (Trust & Track record); were also discussed during the deliberation, he informed.

Session 4:

The theme of the 4th session was Effective student selection processes and respecting student choices in the context of NEP for which the session summary was presented by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur.

Session 5

The theme of the 5th session was Effective Assessment & Evaluation for which the session summary was presented by Dr. K Radhakrishnan, Former Chairman, ISRO and Chairman, BoG IIT Kanpur. He elaborated on the context of the discussion, which was Technology, which is advancing exponentially and pervading (Including Pedagogy); Imperative for the multidisciplinary mind; Holistic Development of Students; Outcome-based education; and transforming the key Enablers, which are faculty, programme, and institutions. He elaborated on the facets of holistic development of studies, which include intellectual, aesthetic, social, physical, extracurricular Arts, Sports, emotional, ethical, and value-based education. He also elaborated on the discussion that took place on five dimensions of outcome-based education, which were Knowledge Acquisition (Recall); Application of Knowledge (Problem-Solving); Analytical Ability (Decipher Patterns, Trends, Critical Thinking); Synthesis (New Ideas from Multi-farious inputs); and Learning how to learn.

Click here to see the President’s speech in Hindi:

Click to access doc202534512601.pdf

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MANIT Bhopal and INTACH Collaborate to Preserve Bada Bagh Stepwell and Mausoleums

March 6, 2025 Eduindex News Team

Bhopal: The historic Bada Bagh stepwell and mausoleums in Bhopal are undergoing conservation efforts under the guidance of Professor Jagdish Singh from the Department of Architecture and Planning, MANIT Bhopal, in collaboration with the INTACH Bhopal Chapter. This remarkable heritage site, dating back to 1809-1816, is a three-story deep stepwell located within the Bada Bagh cemetery. Originally commissioned by Nawab Wazir Mohammad Khan, it was later preserved and maintained by Nawab Qudsia Begum.

The site also houses the mausoleums of Wazir Mohammad Khan (1806-1816) and his son, Nazar Mohammad Khan (1816-1819). Following Nazar Mohammad Khan’s demise, Qudsia Begum constructed her husband’s tomb within the same premises, at which point the stepwell became known as Nazar Bagh. A detailed architectural study has revealed intricate design elements, including colonnaded structures adorned with arches and slender pillars, showcasing the craftsmanship of that era.

The conservation efforts focus on structural stabilization, documentation of architectural details, and restoring the stepwell’s original grandeur. Special attention is being given to preserving the ornamental structures surrounding the well. This initiative bridges academic research with practical heritage conservation, ensuring that Bada Bagh’s historical significance is safeguarded for future generations. Awareness programs are also being conducted to highlight the site’s cultural heritage.

Through collective restoration efforts, this project aims to revive the architectural marvel of Bada Bagh, cementing its place as an invaluable part of Bhopal’s historical and cultural legacy.

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Understanding the Dynamics of Caste and Creed: A Societal Examination

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Caste and creed are two intricately intertwined concepts that have deeply influenced societies across the globe for centuries. Both terms carry significant weight in shaping social structures, cultural identities, and individual experiences. While often discussed separately, understanding their interplay is crucial for comprehending the complexities of societal dynamics.

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Caste: An Ancient Social Hierarchy

Caste refers to a hereditary social class system prevalent in many societies, notably in South Asia. Originating from ancient Hindu scriptures, caste delineates societal stratification based on birth, occupation, and social status. Traditionally, society was divided into four main castes, namely Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and traders), and Shudras (laborers and artisans), with Dalits (formerly known as “untouchables”) marginalized outside this system.

Caste dictates various aspects of life, including occupation, marriage, and social interactions, often determining an individual’s opportunities and privileges. Despite legal abolishment and efforts towards social reform, caste-based discrimination and prejudice persist, perpetuating inequalities and hindering social mobility.

Creed: The Essence of Belief

Creed encompasses a set of beliefs or principles that guide an individual’s religious, spiritual, or philosophical convictions. It transcends mere religious affiliation, encompassing ideologies, values, and worldviews that shape one’s identity and interactions with the world. Creed influences moral conduct, societal norms, and cultural practices, providing a framework for individual and collective behavior.

Religious creed, in particular, holds immense significance in shaping communities and societies worldwide. It fosters solidarity among adherents, serving as a source of comfort, guidance, and communal identity. However, creed can also be a source of division, leading to sectarianism, intolerance, and conflict when differences are perceived as threats to established norms or power structures.

Interplay of Caste and Creed

The intersection of caste and creed profoundly influences social dynamics, particularly in regions where both concepts are deeply ingrained in the fabric of society. Religious communities often align with specific caste groups, intertwining religious identity with social status and cultural practices. This intersectionality manifests in various ways:

  1. Caste-Based Exclusivity within Religious Communities: In some societies, caste serves as a determinant of access and participation within religious institutions and rituals. Certain castes may be marginalized or excluded from full participation in religious activities, reinforcing social hierarchies within religious frameworks.
  2. Inter-Caste Marriage and Social Stigma: Inter-caste marriages challenge traditional social norms and face resistance from families and communities adhering to strict caste boundaries. Religious creed may exacerbate these tensions, as marriage is not only a union of individuals but also a merging of social identities and cultural practices.
  3. Political Mobilization and Identity Politics: Caste and religious identities often intersect in the political arena, with leaders mobilizing support based on shared caste or religious affiliations. This exploitation of identity politics can deepen divisions and perpetuate social inequalities, hindering efforts towards inclusive governance and social cohesion.
  4. Resistance and Reform Movements: Despite the entrenched nature of caste-based discrimination, religious creed has also been a catalyst for social reform movements advocating for equality and justice. Leaders from marginalized caste groups have drawn inspiration from religious teachings to challenge oppressive systems and promote social change.

Challenges and Pathways Forward

Addressing the complexities of caste and creed requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges historical injustices, respects cultural diversity, and promotes inclusive social policies. Key considerations include:

  1. Legal Protections and Enforcement: Robust legal frameworks are essential for combating caste-based discrimination and ensuring the rights of marginalized communities. Efforts to enforce anti-discrimination laws must be accompanied by awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives to foster social inclusion.
  2. Education and Awareness: Education plays a vital role in challenging entrenched beliefs and fostering empathy and understanding across caste and religious divides. Incorporating diverse perspectives into curricula and promoting interfaith dialogue can contribute to building more tolerant and cohesive societies.
  3. Community Empowerment and Dialogue: Grassroots initiatives that empower marginalized communities and facilitate dialogue between different caste and religious groups are crucial for fostering social cohesion. By promoting mutual understanding and cooperation, communities can work towards dismantling barriers and building inclusive societies.
  4. Promotion of Intersectional Approaches: Recognizing the intersectionality of caste, creed, gender, and other forms of identity is essential for developing holistic solutions to social inequalities. Policies and programs should address multiple dimensions of discrimination to ensure that no individual or community is left behind.

In conclusion, the interplay of caste and creed shapes the social, cultural, and political landscapes of many societies, presenting both challenges and opportunities for social cohesion and justice. By addressing entrenched prejudices, promoting inclusive policies, and fostering dialogue and solidarity, societies can strive towards a more equitable and harmonious future.