New Delhi, India – On July 24, directors from various national institutions and universities gathered at SV University Senate Hall in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, to discuss the progress and future plans concerning the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which was introduced three years ago. The joint news conference aimed to evaluate the implementation of NEP 2020 thus far and explore the strategies that would be adopted in alignment with the policy’s vision for India’s educational system.
The National Education Policy 2020, approved by the Union Cabinet on July 29, 2020, stands as a transformative document that outlines a comprehensive vision for the country’s future educational landscape. Replacing the National Policy on Education of 1986, NEP 2020 envisions an education system that is rooted in Indian values while providing high-quality education accessible to all. The policy aspires to propel India into a global knowledge superpower, fostering growth and development throughout the nation.
During the press conference, several prominent figures from esteemed educational institutions shared their insights and measures taken in response to NEP 2020. Among the attendees were Associate Professor Rajesh Viswanathan from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER Tirupati), Vice-Chancellor K. Raja Reddy from Sri Venkateswara University, Director K.N. Satyanarayana from Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati (IIT-T), Professor Sankar Narayan from National Sanskrit University, Vice-Chancellor D. Bharathi from Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam, and Deputy Commissioner Manjunath from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS Hyderabad).
One of the major highlights of the meeting was the adoption of an open curriculum and transdisciplinary course structures by these institutions. Dr. Satyanarayana, the director of IIT-Tirupati, emphasized the significance of multidisciplinary education, value-based instruction encompassing professional ethics, arts, lifestyle management, and environmental studies, as well as expanded internship opportunities. He further asserted that the optional freedom, skill development, and community-oriented projects fostered a strong emphasis on nation-building, which is of paramount importance.
Both Vice-Chancellors, Raja Reddy and D. Bharathi, underscored the importance of university-industry connectivity, community participation, and the focus on incubation as essential components of NEP 2020. These measures are aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry, thereby equipping students with practical skills and real-world experiences.
Professor Sankar Narayan highlighted the approach taken by the National Sanskrit University in building the curriculum, drawing inspiration from the ancient Nalanda and Takshasila universities. By incorporating such elements, the university seeks to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage.
Deputy Commissioner Manjunath shared the approach followed by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS Hyderabad), which has diligently aligned itself with the structure outlined in the National Education Policy, starting from the foundation courses.
The meeting served as a platform for fruitful discussions, providing valuable insights into the progress made by various educational institutions in adopting NEP 2020. The concerted efforts to implement the policy’s guidelines and the commitment to promoting a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to education were evident throughout the conference.
With the implementation of NEP 2020, the Indian education system is undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on nurturing creative thinking, critical analysis, and a comprehensive understanding of subjects. The policy’s emphasis on cultural roots and ethical values, combined with a forward-looking approach, seeks to lay a strong foundation for the future of education in India.
As the three-year mark since the approval of NEP 2020 approaches, the commitment of institutions like IISER Tirupati, Sri Venkateswara University, IIT-Tirupati, National Sanskrit University, Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam, and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS Hyderabad) to the policy’s implementation brings hope for a more inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive education system in India. The collaborative efforts among these institutions and others nationwide are set to shape the future of education in India, fostering intellectual growth and paving the way for a knowledge-driven society.
