National Conference on ‘Transforming Education through Academic Leadership’ concludes at Central University of Jammu

• A nation can only be excellent through quality education: B.R. Shankaranand

JAMMU: A national conference on the theme “Transforming Education through Academic Leadership” was organized to mark five years of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). The event was held under the joint auspices of the Central University of Jammu and the Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Province), under the patronage of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sanjeev Jain.

The Chief Guest of the conference was Sh. Shantmanu IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. The Keynote Speaker was B.R. Shankaranand, All-India Organizing Secretary of Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal. Prof. K.S. Chandrashekhar, Vice-Chancellor of Cluster University, Jammu, and Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar, were the Distinguished Guests.

The event began with students performing the Saraswati Vandana. Research scholar Anshu Kumari recited the Dhyeya Mantra, and Indra Devi read the Dhyeya Vakya. Prof. Dilip Kumar, an official from Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, presented the theme introduction, while Dr. Nareendra performed a solo song.

Vice Chancellor and President of Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal (J&K & Ladakh), Prof. Sanjeev Jain, welcomed all guests and, in his address, highlighted the immense potential of leadership transformation in the new education policy. He emphasized the importance of developing India into a developed nation by the centenary of independence, a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and stressed the crucial role of youth in this mission. He added that the NEP's core goal is personality development, which is primarily the responsibility of educators, who must cultivate the true qualities of a guru (teacher) to prepare students for the service of the nation.

Keynote speaker B.R. Shankaranand in his address, stated that the development of education is only possible through a sensitive government and an alert society. Social transformation is only possible through the right leadership. Referring to the saying “Yatha Raja, Tatha Praja” (As is the king, so are the subjects), he emphasized that just as virtuous children come from virtuous parents, a quality nation can only be built through quality education. He described education as the axis of the nation, one that instills leadership qualities in every individual. He called for individuals to be fearless, free from dilemmas, disinterested in selfish gain, and self-reliant for effective leadership. He also urged students to act selflessly with endurance (Titiksha), a core teaching of the Bhagavad Gita.

Chief Guest Sh. Shantmanu, IAS, said that the NEP is based on India’s ancient knowledge heritage. He emphasized that language and attire are key to identity and preserving Indian languages and cultural dress is essential. He noted that the NEP focuses on language and personality development, and that the pursuit of knowledge should be for societal benefit, not merely personal or career gain.

Prof. K.S. Chandrashekhar noted that the NEP has achieved much in the past five years. He said that with its implementation, students have come to understand the true meaning of education and its purpose. He emphasized that India can only become a “Vishwaguru” (global teacher) when its students and researchers are patriotic. The NEP emphasizes skill-based education for students and scholars.

The program was conducted by Vishal Sharma, State Secretary of Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal. Prof. Vandana Sharma, Dean of the Faculty of Languages, delivered the vote of thanks. Under her leadership, a brainstorming session followed, in which principals of various government colleges from the Jammu region participated. Attendees included Prof. Rajeev Ratan Sharma, Prof. Pragya Khanna, Prof. Sujata Salathia, Prof. Meeru Abrol, Prof. Sudhir Singh, Prof. Kundan Lal Dogra, among others.

On this occasion, the new coordinator and co-coordinators of Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal (J&K and Ladakh) were announced by the state president. The event concluded with the national anthem.