Grand Special Lecture Organized at Murarka College Marking Six Years of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020; Prof. Dr. Rahul Kumar and Dr. Vivek Kumar Singh Term the New Education Policy a Milestone in India's Educational Renaissance
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, implemented with the objective of shaping the country's education system to be modern, employment-oriented, and aligned with global standards, has successfully completed six years. To mark this historic milestone, a special high-level lecture-cum-seminar was organized in the auditorium of the prestigious Murarka College located in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur district. The central theme of the program was the far-reaching impact and implementation challenges of NEP-2020 within the Indian higher education system. Eminent educationists and speakers from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU) shared their valuable insights during the event, acquainting students and teachers with the multi-dimensional aspects of this policy.
Lighting of the Lamp and Grand Welcome of Guests
The program commenced in a traditional manner with the lighting of the lamp and garlanding before the statue of Goddess Saraswati:
Presence of Distinguished Speakers: Renowned TMBU educationists Prof. Dr. Rahul Kumar and Dr. Vivek Kumar Singh participated as the keynote speaker and chief guest in this special lecture. The college principal and senior faculty members warmly welcomed both visiting guests by presenting them with Angvastras, bouquets, and mementos.
Massive Participation of Students: Hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate students from various streams (Arts, Science, and Commerce) of the college, along with research scholars and faculty members, were present. The entire atmosphere of the auditorium resonated with academic discussion and curiosity.
Address by Dr. Vivek Kumar Singh: "Liberation from Traditional Rote Learning and Emphasis on Skill Development"
Commencing the lecture session, Dr. Vivek Kumar Singh shed light extensively on the fundamental principles of the National Education Policy 2020:
Student-Centric and Flexible Curriculum: Dr. Singh stated that NEP-2020 is not merely a change in the syllabus, but a radical transformation across the country's entire teaching methodology. Under this policy, a Multiple Entry and Exit System has been introduced, ensuring students do not lose an academic year. If a student wishes to leave a course midway, they receive a certificate or diploma and can resume their studies later from the exact point of exit.
End of Rote Learning: He noted that this policy steers students toward conceptual understanding and critical thinking rather than traditional rote learning. Skill development, internships, and practical knowledge have been made mandatory components of the curriculum.
Keynote Lecture by Prof. Dr. Rahul Kumar: "NEP as a Vision to Make India a Global Knowledge Superpower"
Keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Rahul Kumar mesmerized everyone present with his stirring and analytical address:
Building a Knowledge-Based Economy: Prof. Rahul Kumar stated that over the past six years, the positive changes brought by NEP-2020 to the nation's educational landscape have been unprecedented. This policy serves as a concrete vision to re-establish India as a global 'Knowledge Superpower' on the lines of ancient Nalanda and Takshashila.
Coordination of Indian Values and Modern Science: He underlined that this new education policy beautifully integrates modern technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), research, and innovation with Indian culture, moral values, and the mother tongue. Emphasizing instruction in the mother tongue from primary to higher education has made higher education much more accessible to rural and underprivileged students.
Role of Teachers: Appealing to teachers, Prof. Kumar urged them not to remain mere guides who teach a syllabus, but to act as mentors who inspire students to undertake novel experiments.
Interactive Question-Answer Session
Following the lecture, a highly engaging interactive and question-answer session was organized:
Students' Curiosities: Students raised multiple questions regarding the four-year undergraduate course under NEP, the credit transfer system (Academic Bank of Credits ID), and research projects.
Satisfactory Resolutions: Present on the stage, Prof. Rahul Kumar and Dr. Vivek Kumar Singh provided simple and practical answers to all student queries, clearing up numerous doubts.
This special lecture organized at Murarka College, Sultanganj, symbolizes that educational institutions in remote rural and semi-urban areas are fully aware of and prepared for nationwide transformations. Held on the completion of six years of NEP-2020, the event not only familiarized students and teachers with the benefits of the new education policy but also inspired them to play their part in building a bright future for the country.
