JAMMU: A national seminar titled “NEP-2020 for Viksit Bharat: Integrating Bharatiya Knowledge System with Education” was held on September 25, 2024, at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium, Central University of Jammu. The event was organized under the joint aegis of Central University of Jammu and the Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh Prant. Sh. B.R. Shankaranand Ji, Akhil Bharatiya Sangathan Mantri, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, served as the Chief Guest, with Prof. Suhas Pednekar Ji, Akhil Bharatiya KaryakariAdhyaksh, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal as the keynote speaker and Dr. Sanjay Pathak Ji, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal as a special guest.
The seminar was presided over by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, Prof. Sanjeev Jain , Adhyaksh, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh Prant. Besides this, Dr. Dilip Kumar, Kshetra Sanyojak, Uttar Kshetra, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal were also present on the stage.
The seminar was inaugurated with the Saraswati Vandana and lighting of ceremonial lamps by the guests. Prof. Vandana Sharma, Vice-President, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh Prant, warmly welcomed the esteemed guests.
Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu in his welcome address expressed his views on the objectives of Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal and NEP-2020 in the light of Bharatiya Knowledge System. He linked the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) to India’s ancient tradition, stating that India’s youth must embrace these values for a developed nation by 2047.
Special Guest, Dr. Sanjay Pathak, further emphasized that while learning about Indian knowledge systems is important, the true value lies in applying this knowledge to everyday life. He pointed out that the NEP-2020 is designed not only to help India develop but also to position it as a global leader in education and innovation. Dr. Pathak stressed that the responsibility of preserving and promoting the Indian knowledge tradition lies with today’s educators and citizens.
Prof. Suhas Pednekar keynote speaker emphasized that teachers play a crucial role in instilling a sense of nationalism in students, highlighting the need for education to be rooted in the Bharatiya Knowledge System. This approach, he noted, will help cultivate a more civilized next generation and truly realize the vision of a developed India. He further stated that the primary goal of the national education policy is to empower students through the richness of Indian knowledge.
The Chief Guest, Shree B.R. Shankaranand Ji focused on the critical role of Bharat-centric knowledge in the holistic development of individuals, especially in shaping their character. He stressed that quality thoughts are vital for national progress, pointing out that spiritual growth is an essential component of India’s development journey. He emphasized that India’s journey towards becoming a global leader hinges on its youth embracing the country’s cultural and spiritual values. He urged teachers to act as modern-day Vyas Maharishis, imparting knowledge from Indian traditions to foster a sense of "Bharatiyata" among the youth, which he believed was critical for the country’s future success.
The event also included the felicitation of seven state-level participants selected for the VIVIBHA National Research Paper Writing Competition. Additionally, the VIVIBHA reviewers from Jammu-Kashmir & Ladakh Prant and other delegates attending the seminar were felicitated. The Anthology of VIVIBHA research papers submitted to the Prant was also released by the dignitaries. Dr. Dilip Kumar delivered the vote of thanks, and Dr. Vishal Sharma, Secretary, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Jammu-Kashmir & Ladakh Prant, conducted the proceedings.
The seminar concluded with the recital of the Kalyan Mantra and the National Anthem. Following the inaugural session, the paper presentation by VIVIBHA participants took place. After the presentations, the paper presenters were felicitated. Subsequently, an executive committee meeting of the Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Jammu-Kashmir & Ladakh Prant was held, presided over by Sh. Shankaranand Ji.
