Central University of Punjab Hosts One-Day National Workshop on “The Implementation Pathway of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020”

Bathinda, August 7, 2025: The Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CU Punjab), in collaboration with Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (SSUN), Punjab, successfully organized a One-Day National Workshop on “The Implementation Pathway of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020” on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The event was held under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari and brought together educationists, academic leaders, and policymakers to discuss actionable strategies for effective NEP implementation in higher education institutions (HEIs) across Punjab.

The workshop aimed to foster meaningful dialogue around the transformative vision of NEP 2020 and align technical and higher education with national priorities. Dr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary of SSUN, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address. The event was further enriched by the presence of Dr. Rajeev Sood, Vice-Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, and Shri Jagram, SSUN Northern Region Coordinator, as Guests of Honour. The event also witnessed participation from eminent educationists across the Malwa region.

In his welcome address, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari underlined NEP 2020’s role in reshaping India’s education landscape through a multidisciplinary and holistic framework. He highlighted CU Punjab’s successful NEP-aligned initiatives such as LOCF-based interdisciplinary curricula, Academic Bank of Credits, MOOC-based credit transfers, experiential learning, internship-integrated master’s programmes, and the Multiple Entry-Exit system. Reaffirming the university’s commitment to innovation and value-based learning, he emphasized the alignment of these efforts with the vision of Viksit Bharat, guided by the university’s motto, "Aano Bhadrah Kritvo Yantu Vishwatah" (Let noble thoughts come from all directions).

The Chief Guest Dr. Kothari emphasized the urgency of moving beyond policy discourse to its grassroots-level execution. He described NEP 2020 as a Bharatiya-centric and student-oriented framework grounded in Indian cultural values such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Atithi Devo Bhava. He described the National Education Policy as a landmark reform—the first education policy post-independence that is deeply rooted in Indian ethos and values.

Dr. Kothari urged institutions to shift from rote learning to experiential and value-based education, adopt formative assessments, and embed skill development, moral values, and civic responsibility within academic frameworks. He advocated for promoting indigenous knowledge systems, regional languages, and the “Vocal for Local” initiative to build self-reliant graduates. He also encouraged institutions to engage in need-based and socially relevant research to address pressing national challenges. Calling upon students to be active participants in this transformation, he described NEP 2020 as a strategic pathway toward realizing India’s aspiration of becoming a Vishwaguru.

Guest of Honour Dr. Rajeev Sood shared insights on how NEP 2020 is being implemented at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences and commended CU Punjab’s leadership in advancing educational reforms through collaboration. Prof. Kiran Hazarika, Pro Vice-Chancellor, CU Punjab, expressed gratitude to Dr. Kothari and emphasized the urgent need for the effective implementation of NEP-2020 to nurture skill sets in youth that align with national progress.

Following the inaugural session, a technical session chaired by Shri Jagram and moderated by Dr. Suryanarayan Biswal featured institutional case studies and best practices in NEP implementation. These presentations provided a collaborative roadmap for achieving NEP’s core objectives.

The programme began with an introduction to the workshop theme by Prof. Vipan Pal Singh, the Workshop Coordinator. Dr. Kulbhushan Sharma conducted the stage proceedings, while Dr. Vijay Sharma, Registrar, delivered the formal vote of thanks. Dr. Sameer Mahajan acknowledged the contributions of participants and stakeholders whose engagement ensured the workshop’s success.

The workshop emerged as a dynamic forum for meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing, strengthening the collective commitment to implementing NEP 2020 and driving transformative reforms across higher education institutions.