Central University of Jammu hosts National Workshop on Character Building and Holistic Personality Development under NEP 2020

• The purpose of education is not only knowledge, but also character building: Dr. Kothari

JAMMU: The Central University of Jammu, in collaboration with Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Pradesh, organized a National Workshop on “Character Building and Holistic Personality Development in the Context of National Education Policy 2020.”

The inaugural ceremony, presided over by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain, was graced by Dr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas and renowned educationist, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Devansh Yadav, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, was the Guest of Honour. Also present on the dais were Prof. Ranvijay, President of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (J&K & Ladakh) and Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar of the University.

The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by dignitaries, followed by a Saraswati Vandana presented by students of the Department of Hindi. Dr. Akshay, Convener of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (J&K & Ladakh), welcomed the guests and highlighted the objectives of the workshop.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain emphasized that the theme of the workshop is highly relevant for students and teachers across the nation. He explained that the core aim of the National Education Policy 2020 is the holistic development of Indian education. Stressing the pivotal role of youth in nation-building, he said character development must be prioritized. He added that while universities can confer prestigious degrees, true character building requires transformation at the level of consciousness. He called upon teachers to follow the Guru-Shishya tradition and focus on nurturing students’ character.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Atul Kothari highlighted that chanting of Omkar is the foundation of mental peace and concentration, and that meditation aims to still the mind and focus on a single subject. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he underlined the importance of teaching concentration. Speaking on NEP 2020, he stressed its fundamental objective of integrating India’s knowledge traditions into education and fostering value-based personalities.

Citing a verse from the Mahabharata, he noted that one cannot be free from evils without embracing virtues. Referring to the Taittiriya Upanishad’s Pancha Kosha (five sheaths—Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya, and Anandamaya), he emphasized the need for personality development based on holistic growth. He urged the preservation and promotion of India’s knowledge heritage and the need to connect youth with it.

Guest of Honour Dr. Devansh Yadav, Commissioner, JMC Jammu spoke on the social responsibility of education and its role in nation-building. The inaugural session was conducted by Dr. Vikas Singh, while the vote of thanks was presented by Registrar Prof. Yashwant Singh.

In the second technical session, Dr. Vikas Singh (Central University of Jammu), Prof. Jasbir Singh (University of Jammu), and Dr. Neetu Kumari (Cluster University of Jammu) delivered lectures on personality development based on Indian traditions and the Panchakosha framework. The session was conducted by Preeti Gupta, with welcome remarks by Dr. Akshay Kumar and a vote of thanks by Dr. G.V. Snigdha Raj.

Students and faculty actively participated in the interactive discussions. The workshop convener concluded by stating that the true purpose of education is the manifestation of the divinity within. Education, when it creates individuals who are virtuous, duty-bound, and endowed with inner strength, will truly serve as the carrier of both nation-building and humanity.