Central University of Punjab Hosts ICSSR-Sponsored National Seminar on Integrated Teacher Education Programme

Bathinda, November 14, 2025: The Department of Education, Central University of Punjab, under the patronage of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, successfully organized a two-day ICSSR-sponsored National Seminar on “Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP): Crossroad on Quality Teacher Education.” The seminar, held on November 12—13, brought together eminent academicians, policymakers, and educators from across the country to deliberate on strengthening teacher education in alignment with NEP-2020.
The inaugural session featured Prof. Amit Kauts, Dean, Department of Education, GNDU Amritsar, as the Keynote Speaker, and Prof. N.S. Mavi, Former Head & Dean, Kurukshetra University, as the Guest of Honour.
The seminar was formally inaugurated by Prof. Kiran Hazarika, Pro Vice-Chancellor, who highlighted the significance of ITEP in preparing skilled, committed, and future-ready teachers. He emphasized the programme’s focus on technology integration, multidisciplinary learning, and experiential pedagogy.
Dr. Shamshir Singh Dhillon, Convener of the seminar, welcomed the dignitaries and outlined the objectives and rationale of the event. In his keynote address, Prof. Amit Kauts stressed the importance of learning outcome–based education, the inclusion of Indian Knowledge Systems, and the central role of multidisciplinary universities in effectively implementing ITEP.
In his address, Prof. N.S. Mavi traced the historical development of teacher education in India and emphasized how ITEP fosters confidence, professional ethics, and pedagogical skills among prospective teachers.
The second day of the seminar featured a panel discussion in which experts underscored the need to prepare 21st-century teachers equipped with creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and compassion. The seminar also hosted 14 technical sessions on themes such as pedagogy, assessment, FLN, ECCE, and multidisciplinary approaches. More than 200 research papers were received and 173 presented by the participants representing 24 states, reflecting wide national engagement.
Delivering the valedictory address, Prof. Manoj Saxena (Head, Dept. of Education, CU HP) highlighted the importance of the “4Cs”—Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration—for contemporary learners.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Kiran Hazarika appreciated the efforts of the organizing team and emphasized the relevance of implementing ITEP at CU Punjab in accordance with NEP-2020. Dr. Sesadeba Pany, Organizing Secretary, delivered the formal vote of thanks, acknowledging the dignitaries, resource persons, organizing committee, and participants from across the country.
The seminar concluded with key recommendations, including promoting awareness about ITEP, ensuring curricular uniformity, strengthening multidisciplinary components, encouraging AI-enabled pedagogies, and adopting innovative assessment techniques.