JAMMU: The Department of Educational Studies, Central University of Jammu successfully concluded a two-day National Seminar on “Indigenous Languages and NEP 2020: Pathways to Sustainable Education”, sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The seminar was conducted under the able guidance of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain, who has been instrumental in promoting linguistic diversity and sustainable education practices in the institution. The seminar brought together eminent academicians, researchers, and policymakers from across the country to discuss the significance of indigenous languages and their integration into mainstream education in line with NEP 2020.
The event involved plenary sessions and technical sessions that were focused on the role of indigenous languages in shaping sustainable and inclusive education. Experts highlighted the role of NEP 2020 in promoting multilingualism, the integration of indigenous knowledge systems, and the need for policy-driven initiatives to revitalize and preserve linguistic diversity. Participants engaged in insightful deliberations on the transformative potential of indigenous languages in making education more holistic and accessible, particularly in rural and tribal communities.
The plenary session was enlightened with featuring discussions by Prof. Rajagopal Gibikote, Former Dean of School of languages, EFL-University, Hyderabad, Prof. Aswini Kumar Nanda, Head, Department of Economics, CUJ, Prof. Ritu Bakshi, Dean Student Welfare, CUJ and Dr. Abhay Rajput, Head, Department of Mass Communication and New Media, CUJ. Their discussions further examined the preservation of indigenous languages and their role in shaping educational policies, emphasizing the importance of academic and technological interventions to support language revitalization efforts.
Following the plenary session, two Parallel technical sessions were held, where scholars from across India presented research papers on technology’s role in promoting indigenous languages and multilingual education. The sessions were chaired by Dr. Neena Vij and Dr. Kiran, along with Dr. R. Sudhakar and Dr. Chittibabu Putcha. Discussions explored digital tools, artificial intelligence, and policy frameworks that can support indigenous language education in modern contexts. The seminar concluded with a valedictory session, under the esteemed presence of Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar, CU Jammu where Prof. Ritu Bakshi, welcomed the dignitaries and the participants followed by a detailed seminar report presentation by Dr. Ravi Vanguri.
The session also featured a valedictory address by Prof. G.R. Angadi about the conjoining force of Indian regional literature and English literature, presidential remarks by Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar, Central University of Jammu, and a vote of thanks by Dr. Kiran. The event was also graced by Prof. K. Pushpanadham, Head of the Department of Educational Administration, MS University Baroda, Prof. Asit Mantry, Prof. J. N. Baliya, Dr. Aman, Dr. Yad Ram, Dr. Mohan Galgotra, Dr. Aarushi Baloria, Ms. Shivali Khajuria, Dr. Disha Sharma, Mr. Arvind Kumar and other faculty members of the various departments along with scholars and students from various disciplines.
