Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Smagaam 

Three Day Education Summit Concluded in Varanasi

Consensus to expedite the work on the 16-point action plan for the faster implementation of the National Education Policy 2020

Universities shared best practices and ideas for taking forward various facets of the NEP2020 led education reforms

For the first time after independence in India a large and intensive three day summit on higher education "Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Smagaam" was organised in Varanasi. The 3-day Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) at Varanasi concluded with education leaders resolving to work collectively for transforming India into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society. The consensus emerged to expedite the work on the 16-point action plan for faster implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. The Shiksha Samagam witnessed 11 sessions including 9 thematic session and two exclusive sessions on sharing success stories and Best Practices of NEP 2020 Implementation. The deliberations ranged from themes like holistic and multidisciplinary education, enhancing quality, inclusivity and access by use of technology,  to the need for promoting an ecosystem for research and  innovation,  to promotion of Indian languages, Indian Knowledge Systems and sharing of best practices on NEP implementation.

Here is a Comprehensive Report with Key Takeaways from Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam, Varanasi.

By ONKARESHWAR PANDEY

Varanasi/ Delhi, July 10, 2022: The 3-day Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) at Varanasi concluded with education leaders resolving to work collectively for transforming India into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society. The consensus emerged to expedite the work on the 16-point action plan for faster implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.

“The agenda plan of action was presented in the chief secretaries’ conference.  We got the consensus of all the state governments towards implementing the 16-point agenda plan of action,” Higher Education Secretary Sanjay Murthy told reporters.

For the first time after independence in India a large and intensive three day summit on higher education "Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Smagaam" was organised in Varanasi.

The summit, focussed to develop forward looking, responsive, world class higher educational institutions to prepare 21st century-ready students, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and concluded by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Among those present on the inaugural ceremony were Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

While inaugurating the ‘Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam’ on July 7, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the National Education Policy (NEP) focused on making children skilled according to their talents and choices.

Addressing top Academicians at the summit which was attended by over 300 academic, administrative and institutional leaders, the Prime Minister Modi said the educational system should not only prepare degree holder youth, but also ensure that all the human resources necessary for the country’s progress were available.

“Our youth should be skilled, confident, practical and calculative, education policy is preparing the ground for this,” he said, adding that there was a need for the institutions to work on the future requirements of the talented young generation. He said the youth was taking initiatives in areas like the space technology; new opportunities were opening up for girls and women. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the country was today one of the fastest growing economies in the world and it was the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world.

Stating that the new policy NEP, which was introduced after a gap of 30 years, would be instrumental in realising innumerable possibilities, PM Modi said, “The education system created by the Britishers was never part of the Indian ethos...the basic premise of the NEP is to take education out of narrow thinking and connect it with the modern ideas of the 21st century.”

Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech

India can emerge as a big centre of global education

Practical experience and fieldwork is necessary.

We must develop an attitude of ‘lab to land’.

Experts should be aware of the international practices in the field.

Guidelines have been issued to prepare Indian higher education as per international standards.

The basic premise of the NEP is to take education out of narrow thinking and connect it with the modern ideas of the 21st century

Create such an institution whose students would be playing an important role in the completion of 100 years of the country’s independence

Special offices have been established in 180 universities for international affairs of the institutions.

Prime Minister Modi said the Indian ethos of education was multi-sectoral and the same approach was required in a new system with modern processes. Highlighting the importance of research work, he asked for a “lab-to-land” attitude and also asked the institutions to value practical experience and fieldwork.

The Prime Minister Modi said in the field of alternative medicines including Ayurveda, there was a need for evidence-based research. Subjects like the best possible use of the country’s demographic dividend, finding solutions to the challenges of ageing societies, cleanliness through waste recycling and climate change also provided a wide range of research opportunities.

Mr. Modi said although the NEP was implemented about two years ago, his government had been working diligently for its proper implementation. He personally attended many seminars and events to talk on the issue.

Besides, the government had also been focusing on a big overhaul of the education infrastructure. While several new colleges, universities, IITs and IIMs were set up, there was a 55% increase in the number of medical colleges after 2014. The Common Entrance Test (CET) for universities had been introduced. The world ranking of several Indian institutions was also improving gradually.

The NEP had opened up ways for pursuing education in the mother tongue. Ancient Indian languages like Sanskrit were also being carried forward, Prime Minister said.

Expressing confidence that India could emerge as a big centre of global education, PM Modi said the government had issued guidelines to prepare the Indian higher education as per international standards. Special offices had been established in 180 universities for international affairs of the institutions. He asked the participants to hold such events in the institutions and send suggestions to further better the system.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Smagaam in Varanasi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called for developing forward-looking, world-class institutions that work on the principle of Student First- Teacher Led learning.

The 3-day Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) at Varanasi concluded with education leaders resolving to work collectively for transforming India into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society. Addressing the valedictory session, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that we need to develop forward looking, responsive, world class higher educational institutions to prepare 21st century-ready students. He said, we have to work to ensure access, inclusivity, equitability, affordability and quality in higher education.

Highlights of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s Speech

This Shiksha Samagam is a step towards establishing India as a knowledge-based superpower - Dharmendra Pradhan

Components of NEP such as multi-modal education, Academic Bank of Credits, Multiple Entry-Exit, Skill Development will prove to be milestones in the direction of student first -teacher led learning

Develop forward-looking, world-class higher educational institutions to prepare 21st century-ready students

Addressing the valedictory session, Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that we  need to develop forward looking, responsive, world class higher educational institutions to prepare 21st century-ready students. We have to work to ensure access, inclusivity, equitability, affordability and quality in higher education.

The Minister said that we must bring in a transformative education system rooted in Indian values, thoughts and sense of service. National Education Policy 2020 gives us the direction and path for decolonizing our education and achieving aspirations, creating pride in our languages, culture and knowledge, he added. He further said that the components of NEP such as Multi-modal education, Academic Bank of Credits, Multiple Entry-Exit, Skill Development will prove to be milestones in the direction of student first -teacher led learning.

Shri Pradhan said that seeing the enthusiasm of all the scholars, policy-makers and educationists in this three-day program, a new energy and new confidence has been awakened. This Shiksha Samagam is a step towards establishing India as a knowledge-based superpower, he added.

The Minister highlighted that our Higher Education should be for the student and by the Teacher. Our administration shall do everything to support the teachers in meeting aspirations of our youth.

Shri Pradhan thanked the Prime Minister for his continuous support and guidance of the Prime Minister on important topics related to the education sector. He reiterated the suggestions of the Prime Minister to develop India as a hub of Research & Innovation and work on solutions for climate change, technology creation for waste-to-wealth for promotion of circular economy.

The Minister expressed hope and confidence that Universities will play an important role in preparing entrepreneurial society and creating job-creators. They are the breeding ground of research for the welfare of society and mankind and for furthering ease of living. The Minister also said that by providing opportunities for education in Indian languages, we will be able to connect a large section of the education system and promote research and innovation.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt Anandiben Patel said that for the first time after independence such a large and intensive summit has taken place on higher education. Many institutions are adopting new and good practices. The issue of recruitment, construction, grading and assessment must be dealt with effectively and we should provide facilities to students in their proximity. She urged the academicians that they are the changemakers and have to lead the change. 

Highlights of UP Governor Anandiben Patel’s Speech   

Many institutions are adopting new and good practices.

The issue of recruitment, construction, grading and assessment must be dealt with effectively and we should provide facilities to students in their proximity.

The academicians are the changemakers and have to lead the change

The Universities and Educational Institutions in UP are adopting anganwadis and providing them kits for basic facilities

As teachers and academic leaders if we spend only one hour extra than our usual working hours to our institutions, believe me it will be a big move. She highlighted that Uttar Pradesh has done a lot of work during Covid19 pandemic to help and assist the affected people with the help of universities. Universities and Educational Institutions in UP are adopting anganwadis and providing them kits for basic facilities, she added.

Union Minister of State for Education Dr. Subhas Sarkar addressed the educationists and said that holistic education is the soul of National Education Policy 2020. He further added that during his visits to different institutions, he felt there is need for significant increase of macro and micro-actions in the realization of holistic education. He shared ideas to develop Foundational Curriculum of Indian Knowledge Systems having basic knowledge on the topic, and emphasised on the importance of building student-teacher connect.

Speaking at the occasion Union Minister of State for Education Smt Annapurna Devi said that the National Education Policy lays a lot of emphasis on ‘Education in Indian Languages'. However, there is no world class study material available in our own languages. We cannot achieve the objectives of NEP-2020 from any borrowed language, she added. She stressed that to bring Indian education at par with international standards and aligned to the needs of 21st century our universities and their academic leaders shall play a significant role.

Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam witnessed 11 sessions including 9 thematic session and two exclusive sessions on sharing success stories and Best Practices of NEP 2020 Implementation. The deliberations ranged from themes like holistic and multidisciplinary education, enhancing quality, inclusivity and access by use of technology,  to the need for promoting an ecosystem for research and  innovation,  to promotion of Indian languages, Indian Knowledge Systems and sharing of best practices on NEP implementation.

The first thematic session was on Multidisciplinary and Holistic Education and was chaired by Dr. Prof. Rama Shanker Dubey Vice-Chancellor, Central University Gujarat, Gandhinagar. Dr. Rishikesha T. Krishnan Director, Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru; Prof. Raj Singh Vice-Chancellor Jain University, Bangalore; Prof. Nitin Karmalkar Former Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune and Prof. S. P. Bansal Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh were the panelist for the session. It was suggested that higher educational institutions impart holistic education to the students by becoming multidisciplinary in nature by floating baskets of multidisciplinary courses. To ensure holistic and multidisciplinary education with the flexibility and mobility envisioned in NEP-2020, we need to put in place multiple facilities such as:

● A broad framework of qualifications with consistency across programmes (National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF)

● Academic Bank of credits,

● Guidelines for multidisciplinary education provisions for multiple entry and exit

● Provision to earn credits in a blended mode  i.e. through different modes such as physical, ODL/ and online

● Creation of degree+ digital platform providing opportunities to have courses of choice other than their core disciplines.

● Providing colocation to the industry R & D units for promoting experiential learning through internship.

● Providing co-location of industries in campus by establishing research and development units through industry connect

● Flexibility in Education should be  provided in which glimpse of everything is provided to the students in first year and they are given a chance to choose their own discipline subsequently.

The second thematic session was on Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and was chaired by Prof. G. Rangarajan, Director, IISc, Bangalore. Prof. V. K. Tiwari, Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur; Prof. C. Muthamizh Chelvan Vice-Chancellor, SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Chennai; Dr. Shrinivas Balli Vice-Chancellor, Nrupathunga University, Bangalore and Prof. K. R. S. Sambasiva Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Mizoram were the panelist for the session. Following were discussed during the session:

● NEP-2020 aims at creating a conducive ecosystem to catalyse and energize research and innovation in HEIs. The special focus is on seeding and nurturing the culture of research and innovation at universities and colleges through funding support, guidelines/policies and establishing innovation and research centres.

● In-depth understanding of research and innovation methodologies and critical thinking abilities with emphasis on out-of-the-box thinking.

● Creating multidisciplinary  interconnected centres of excellence as drivers of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with close links to the society and economy.

● An ecosystem to integrate all the stakeholders with diverse possibilities of research.

● Merit-based competitive funding with sustainable incentives and recognition of outstanding research.

The third thematic session was on Governance and Capacity Building of Teachers for Quality Education. Prof. M. K. Sridhar, Member, Drafting Committee of NEP staired the session. The panelist who deliberated on the theme were: Prof. Avinash C. Pandey, Director, IUAC, Delhi; Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Srivastava Vice-Chancellor, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat; Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani Chairperson, NCTE and Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu. Following were discussed during the session:

● The NEP-2020 stresses on the empowerment and capacity building of teachers which is critical for quality higher education.

● The entire structure of the teacher-education programmes needs to be revamped by making it an integral part of the broader higher education.

● The teachers should come up with new courses every year so that students have better choices in courses. The teacher should be provided an opportunity to work on a patent and if the product is sustainable in the market, then the university would also support for the startup and if required then the teacher can come back to the academic career.

The fourth thematic session was on Quality, Ranking and Accreditation. The panelists for the session were: Prof. G. Hemanth Kumar Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore, Mysore; Dr. R. M. Kathiresan Vice-Chancellor, Annamalai University; Prof. Dr. S. Vaidhyasubramaniam, Vice-Chancellor, SASTRA, Thanjavur and Prof. R. P. Tiwari Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab. The deliberation was held under the chairmanship of Prof. K. K. Aggarwal, Chairman, National Board Accreditation (NBA), New Delhi. Following were discussed during the session.

● Steps needed to attain higher ranks in the world-renowned rankings such as the Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.

● Margdarshak-Margdarshan Initiative- Mentor-mentee handholding among institutes.

● Colleges will be encouraged, mentored, supported, and incentivized to gradually attain the minimum benchmarks required for each level of accreditation.

● Discuss and review the parameters adopted by the accrediting agencies.

● Explore ways to bring the vast majority of non-accredited institutions under the ambit of the accreditation framework.

The fifth thematic session was on Digital Empowerment and Online Education. Prof. Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; Prof. P. V. Vijayaraghavan Vice Chancellor, Sri Ramchandra Institute of Higher Education and Research,Chennai; Shri Rahul Kulkarni, Chief Technologist, Samagra &Co-Founder, DoNew ; Prof. Nageshwar Rao Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU were the panelist in the discussion. The deliberation was held under the chairmanship of Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe Chairman, AICTE. Following were discussed during the session:

● Optimization of existing digital platforms and ongoing ICT-based educational initiatives to meet the current and future challenges in higher education.

● Creating better learning opportunities using digital resources for a wider audience, on affordable and equitable basis with lifelong learning orientation.

● Need to have nationwide mentoring centres with industry supported labs in various areas

The sixth thematic session was on Equitable and Inclusive Education. The session was chaired by Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan Vice-Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad. The panelist for the session were Prof. T. V. Kattimani Vice-Chancellor, Central Tribal University, Andhra Pradesh, Vijayanagaram; Dr. Ujwala Chakradeo Vice-Chancellor, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai; Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit Vice-Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi and Prof. Sushma Yadav Commission Member, UGC & Former Vice-Chancellor, Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalay.

Following were discussed during the session:

● Equitable access to quality education for all students, with special emphasis on Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) to promote equity and inclusion in higher education.

● Improving equitable access to Quality Education for the Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) through Bridge Courses, Earn-While-Learn programmes and Outreach initiatives.

● Bringing in more opportunities for scholarships, fellowships, and research with an open spirit of participation and competition.

The seventh thematic session was held on the theme “Promotion of Indian Languages and Indian Knowledge Systems”. Prof. Chamu Krishna Shastri, Chairman, HPC for Promotion of Indian Languages staired the panel discussion. Prof Ganti Suryanarayan Murthy Coordinator, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS); Swami Sarvottamananda Vice-Chancellor, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Belur Math and Prof. Radhakant Thakur Vice-Chancellor, Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupati being the panelist, deliberated on the mentioned theme.

● Development of ways and means to preserve, strengthen, and promote the rich cultural heritage, art, and languages of India.

● Incorporating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into curriculum at all levels.

● A multipronged approach will be needed to rejuvenate IKS . A strong focus on capacity building at the institutional, individual, research, and student level is needed. Authentic verified references, course materials, and textbooks essential for developing several courses that are discipline specific and are aligned with the interests and needs of the students.

● To establish IKS Centres in various institutions across the country to develop institutional capacity to support the research, education, mentoring, and outreach activities.

The first thematic session of day 3 and ninth in the series was held on the theme Skill Development and Employability. Dr. K. N. Satyanarayana Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Tirupati chaired the session and panel discussion was carried out by Dr. N. S. Kalsi Chairperson, NCVET; Prof. M.P. Poonia Vice Chairman, AICTE, New Delhi; Prof. Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor, Vishwakarma Skill Development University, Haryana and Prof. Prem Kumar Kalra, Director, Dayalbagh University, Agra. Highlights: 

Skilling plays a valuable role in improving the employability of students with curricular support.

The integration of vocational education programmes into mainstream education in all education institutions, in a phased manner.

Skilling is equally important in disciplines of general education and both teaching and research must focus on utility, modernity, and flexibility.

More emphasis on meaningful links between the academia and industry.

Creation of an "industry fit" skilled workforce for the country.

Industry led, practice-oriented, and outcome based learning have to be the main focus area.

Explore ways and means for establishing institute-industry connect

Trace various models for integrating vocational education into higher education.

Review the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) for aligning it with the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) to promote student mobility to capitalize international employment opportunities

The tenth thematic session was held on the theme “Internationalization of Education” and the panel discussion was staired by Prof Sudhir Jain, Vice Chancellor, BHU, Varanasi. The panellist for the session who deliberated on the theme were Prof. Vidya Yeravdekar Pro-Chancellor, Symbiosis, Pune; Prof. Anand Agrawal Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Ajitgarh, Punjab; Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar Vice-Chancellor, O. P. Jindal University, Sonipat and Dr. Archana Mantri Vice-Chancellor, Chitkara University, Punjab.

Emphasis on the internationalization of the higher education system.

Global awareness and inter-contentedness through the internationalization of higher education.

Need to attain the goal of global quality standards.

To attract greater numbers of international students, and achieve the goal of "internationalization at home".

To create provisions for supernumerary seats for foreign students in universities so as to increase their enrolment.

Academic and research collaboration through MOUs between HEIS,

Provision for credit recognition and credit transfer, joint and dual degrees

Allowing top Indian Universities to establish campuses in other countries, and similarly

Top-ranked foreign HEIS to open campuses in India.

Explore ways and measures to promote India as a preferred global study destination.

Deliberate upon various models and platforms for academic collaboration between Indian and foreign HEIs