Teachers Must Serve as Guides Who Shape the Future, Not Just Impart Knowledge: Vice-Chancellor Prof. Milap Punia

Rohtak, June 1, 2026: Today's teacher is not merely a dispenser of subject-specific knowledge, but a mentor who leads the way in shaping the future. Amidst evolving global challenges, teachers must align themselves with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by becoming skilled, technology-friendly, and research-oriented. These views were expressed by MDU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Milap Punia while inaugurating the four-week Faculty Induction Program—titled 'Guru Dakshata'—which commenced on Monday under the aegis of the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC).

Calling upon teachers to make their classrooms interactive, intellectually stimulating, and enriching, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Milap Punia asserted that value-based and skill-based education is the need of the hour. Emphasizing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, effective research, ICT, e-learning, and the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS), he urged teachers to become technologically proficient and to integrate research, technology, and pedagogy to prepare students for contemporary challenges.

Speaking as the 'Guest of Honour' at the inaugural ceremony, Registrar Prof. Sandeep Bansal stated that such training programs play a pivotal role in familiarizing teachers with modern teaching methodologies, research orientation, and digital technologies. He added that this program would provide a new direction to the teaching and research skills of the participating faculty members.

In his welcome address, MMTTC Director Prof. Munish Garg informed that over 150 participants from 15 different states across the country are participating in this program, which is scheduled to run until June 27. This program aims to prepare young teachers in the areas of modern teaching techniques, research, educational technology, and leadership development, with guidance to be provided by a panel of over 60 experts.

While providing details regarding the training, orientation, and capacity-building programs conducted by the UGC-MMTTC, Deputy Director Dr. Madhuri Hooda said that the center's objective is to empower teachers with modern teaching, research, and technical competencies.

During the academic sessions held on the first day, Prof. R.C. Kuhad (former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Haryana) and Prof. K.K. Sharma (of MDU) shared their insights on the evolving landscape of higher education, the changing role of teachers, the utility of research, and the effective dimensions of quality teaching, thereby inspiring the educators toward innovation and academic excellence. 

The program was coordinated by Dr. Sunil Devi Kharab and Dr. Sandeep Agarwal of MDU-CPAS, Gurugram. The inaugural session witnessed the participation—via both online and offline modes—of Prof. Jitendra Kumar (Dean of the Faculty of Education), Deans of various faculties, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and participants joining from across the country.