RAIPUR,CG: Amity University, Chhattisgarh, hosted a seven-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) on "Opportunities and Challenges in National Education Policy" as part of the mission for Viksit Bharat. The program was inaugurated on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, by Prasanna R. (IAS), Secretary of Higher Education for the Government of Chhattisgarh, who served as the Chief Guest.

In his inaugural address, Prasanna R. emphasized the mission of developed Chhattisgarh by 2035 and highlighted the rapid pace of technological change. He stressed the need to adapt teaching and learning methods to equip students with skills for employment and identified teachers and students as key stakeholders in the implementation of NEP 2020. He mentioned that the department has issued an advisory to all universities and colleges to establish helpdesks in their admissions departments to address queries from students and parents regarding NEP 2020.

The Guest of Honor, Prof. (Dr.) Colonel Umesh Mishra, Chairman of CGPURC, underscored the strategic importance of aligning academic frameworks with the transformative NEP 2020. He emphasized the role of innovative pedagogical approaches and interdisciplinary learning in preparing students for future challenges. Professor Mishra also stated, "Education is not for earning money; it is for living with dignity."

Prof. Vinay Pandey, Dean of Agricultural Engineering at IGKV, Raipur, provided valuable perspectives on integrating vocational education and agricultural sciences within the NEP framework. His insights enriched discussions on holistic educational reforms and skill development in specialized fields.

Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Kant Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Amity University Chhattisgarh, in his presidential address, highlighted the university's commitment to fostering educational excellence and aligning with NEP guidelines. He outlined Amity University's initiatives in curriculum development, faculty training, and research promotion to enhance educational outcomes.

The FDP facilitated engaging discussions among participants, focusing on NEP's provisions for inclusive education, assessment reforms, and leveraging technology for enhanced learning outcomes. Participants explored strategies for integrating sustainability, entrepreneurship, and regional development into academic curricula.

Amity University reiterated its commitment to advancing educational standards and contributing effectively to Viksit Bharat's mission through collaborative efforts and innovative practices. The FDP concluded with a consensus on embracing NEP's transformative potential and preparing educators to lead educational reform initiatives effectively.

The esteemed resource persons for the FDP were Prof. Anjana Sharma, Member of Academics at CGPURC; Prof. D. K. Shrivastava, Professor of Botany and Coordinator for RUSA, IQAC, and AISHE, Govt. E. Raghavendra Rao PG College, Bilaspur; Prof. Ghanshyam, OSD-Higher Education, Chhattisgarh; Prof. P.K. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, Jai Prakash University, Chapra, Bihar; Prof. Ankur Kulkarni, Vice-Chancellor, SAGE University, Indore; Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Kant Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Amity University Chhattisgarh; Prof. Appa Rao, Professor and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad; Prof. P. Perumal, Emeritus Professor, Department of Marine Biotechnology at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu; Prof. A. D. N. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur; Prof. G. D. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya; and Prof. Younush Rana, Assistant Director of Skill Development, Nodal Officer of FOEII, Professor of Practice, and expert for NEP-NHEQF-NSQF-ABC and Prof. Sumita Dave, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Amity University Chhattisgarh.

189 registered participants from across the country participated in the faculty development programme. Prof. Varaprasad Kolla, Director, Amity Institute of Biotechnology served as convenor of the Faculty Development Programme. Dr. Arunima Sur presented the FDP report and Dr V Bala Subramanian proposed the vote of thanks. All faculty and staff members of the university were present in the one weeklong faculty development programme.