KATRA: A Month-Long (Online) Faculty Induction Programme (FIP) was inaugurated at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, under the UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre. This program has been designed for four weeks from 27th April to 25th May, 2026, in line with Guru Dakshta (FIP) modules of UGC. The program aims to enhance academic, professional, and personal competencies of newly recruited faculty members across HEIs. A total of around 237 participants from various parts of the country have registered for this program, reflecting its wide outreach and relevance.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Vice Chancellor-SMVDU, Prof. Pragati Kumar, as the Chief Guest. The program began with traditional Saraswati Vandana, invoking blessings for the successful conduct of the event. Prof. Ankush Anand, Director, MMTTC, welcomed the Chief Guest and the participants during the inaugural ceremony and presented an overview of SMVDU and the initiatives undertaken by UGC-MMTTC-SMVDU. The inaugural session was also attended by the other members of UGC-MMTTC-SMVDU. Experts from different domains across the country will be interacting with the participants during the month-long program.
During the inaugural session, Prof. Pragati Kumar, in his address, emphasized the role and importance of faculty development, academic integrity, and continuous learning in the higher education ecosystem. The Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, stressed upon the urgency of transforming teaching-learning practices in the context of 21st-century challenges under NEP2020. Prof. Kumar also discussed various dimensions of recruitment processes, examination systems, and academic frameworks for higher education institutions. He also congratulated the director of MMTTC-SMVDU and coordinators of this program for organizing this month-long online faculty induction program and extended best wishes to all the participants and resource persons of this FIP.
The Faculty Induction Program covers ten comprehensive modules, including Higher Education Ecosystem, Curriculum Design and Outcome-Based Learning, Teaching-Learning and Assessment, Technology Integration, Personal and Emotional Development, Research and Academic Leadership, Academic Integrity, Constitutional Values, Environmental Sustainability, and Strategic Planning and Management. The sessions by various experts will be conducted in online mode till May 25, 2026. SMVDU remains committed to foster excellence in higher education through such capacity-building initiatives, contributing to the holistic development of faculty members nationwide. Dr. Jatinkumar Soni and Dr. Prabhu Omer presented the vote of thanks.


