‘Innovation doesn't happen in silos… Our academic institutions must build structures that allow different minds to meet'
V Ramgopal Rao, group vice chancellor of BITS Pilani campuses, talks about why the National Education Policy 2020 can be a turning point for India — but only if we act on it boldly
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The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
NEP push in Delhi puts focus on Indian knowledge systems in teacher training
The Bharatiya Janata Party government in Delhi has pushed for the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises the study of Indian knowledge systems (IKS) in schools. This has led to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Delhi, to become 'more focused' on training its students on integrating IKS into their lesson plans, said Professor Abha Sharma, Principal, SCERT's Division. 'We had been trying to integrate it [IKS training in the two-year programme] for the past couple of years. But it became possible only after a push by the new government in Delhi to implement the NEP,' Prof. Sharma told The Hindu. She added that the training is aimed at teaching 'things that are not necessarily taught in books, in an attempt to create global teachers with 21st-century skills'. As an example, she cites a popular claim in India, 'We have always been taught that the Wright brothers flew the first aircraft. But the first aircraft was actually flown in India by Bapuji Talpade in Mumbai in 1895, eight years before the Wright brothers.' 'Chemicals in Mahabharata' As part of the IKS training, the students are also being taught about how Sushruta performed an eye surgery as far back as the 6th century and how certain chemicals are mention in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. The budding teachers are expected to use their training while teaching their respective subjects at schools to help 'students learn more about India's culture'. Prof. Sharma said that they began placing a greater emphasis on IKS training for the 2023-2025 batch, which graduated recently. 'We will now do it more comprehensively for the newer batches. The students will be trained on how to make their pedagogy plans using the pancha kosha philosophy,' she added. The concept of 'pancha kosha (five layers)' of consciousness has its origins in the Upanishads. The NEP, which aims to integrate IKS in all levels of education, states, 'The rich heritage of ancient and eternal Indian knowledge and thought has been a guiding light for this policy. The pursuit of knowledge (jnan), wisdom (pragya), and truth (satya) was always considered in Indian thought and philosophy as the highest human goal.' 'Will use it in school' Koushiki Chatterjee, who specialises in chemistry and was part of the batch that just passed out said, 'In the Mahabharata, Arjuna used certain chemicals as make-up to disguise himself as a woman. While teaching chemistry during an internship, I mentioned it to my students.' Deepali, a second-year student who will be teaching at a school in August as part of her internship, said, 'While teaching chemistry, I can teach students about the states of matter, and how ice melts, while touching upon the concept of annamaya kosha (the outer physical layer of the body, which is one of pancha koshas).' 'Pranamaya kosha (energy layer) comes into play when I am teaching students about how liquid changes to gas, as there is a transfer of energy,' she added. Similarly, Ms. Deepali said she will employ the concept of anandamaya kosha (the spiritual level) when asking students 'to reflect on where they see chemistry in their daily lives'.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
Centre and State governments should increase fund allocation for education: VIT Chancellor
The Centre and State governments should increase fund allocation for the education sector, including higher studies, so that more students from rural areas are encouraged to pursue higher education, G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor, VIT, said on Saturday. In his presidential address at the 'STARS Day 2025' (Support The Advancement of Rural Students - STARS), which was organised by the Universal Higher Education Trust (UHET) of VIT at its campus here, he said that currently, the entire education expense of children is borne by their parents. Poor parents cannot afford such expenses. 'Governments, both the Centre and the State, should ensure that more students enroll, especially in higher education. In India, around 28% of students are in higher education, whereas in China, around 60% of students pursue higher studies,' he said. Mr. Viswanathan said that North Arcot district, which comprised present-day Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts, was economically and educationally backwards many years ago. Public initiatives like scholarships and the State government's efforts have helped to reduce economic backwardness and increase enrollment in schools and colleges. Currently, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of Tamil Nadu is over 50%, against the national average of 28%. The Chancellor recalled that under the National Education Policy 2020, the Centre has aimed to achieve 50% of GER in 2035. Public donations through scholarships will help to cover more deserving students, he said. S. Kannappan, Director of School Education (DSE), Vellore Collector V. R. Subbulaxmi and Sankar Viswanathan, vice president, VIT, were present on the occassion.
News18
7 days ago
- News18
DTU Launches New BTech, MTech Courses; Collaborates With Foreign Universities
Last Updated: Admission to DTU's BTech programmes is based on JEE Main scores and Joint Admission Counseling (JAC) Delhi, while MTech admissions require a GATE score or DTU's entrance exam. Delhi Technological University (DTU) is garnering attention with its plans to introduce BTech and MTech courses in collaboration with foreign universities. DTU will launch programmes focused on innovation, including AI, cyber security, and semiconductors. This initiative, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, aims to provide students with excellent global opportunities in technical education. DTU's National Institute of Solar Energy and QUAD-STEM programme allow students to participate in international research and exchange programmes. Collaborations with prominent universities in Singapore, Canada, and Europe have enhanced DTU's global reputation. Furthermore, by establishing new centres like the Centre for Community Development and the Centre for Energy Transformation, the university is addressing social and environmental issues. New BTech courses: Undergraduate programmes in Data Science and Analytics, Cyber Security, and VLSI Design and Technology, aligned with the Government of India's India Semiconductor Mission and India AI Mission. New MTech courses: Master's programmes in Cyber Security, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and Renewable Energy Systems, focusing on solving social and environmental challenges. Geospatial Science: DTU has founded the Department of Geospatial Science and Technology and initiated a postgraduate course in this field. Between 2012 and 2021, DTU signed over 30 MoUs with universities in Singapore, Canada, Europe, and other countries, collaborating with institutions such as Nanyang Technological University, University of Calgary, and CERN to offer students global research opportunities. In line with NEP 2020, DTU has launched new courses emphasizing research, digital education, and multidisciplinary learning. Admission to DTU's BTech programmes is based on JEE Main scores and Joint Admission Counseling (JAC) Delhi, while MTech admissions require a GATE score or DTU's entrance exam for non-GATE candidates. For the latest admission updates, visit DTU's official website at where comprehensive course details are also available. view comments First Published: July 11, 2025, 18:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
