Leh: The UGC–Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, in collaboration with the University of Ladakh, commenced an eight-day NEP–2020 Orientation and Sensitisation Programme Friday.
The inaugural session of the programme was held on December 19, 2025. The programme will run from December 19 to December 30, 2025, and it will focus on in-depth discussions, deliberations, and sensitisation on various dimensions of the National Education Policy (NEP)–2020.
The inaugural session commenced at 12:30 PM with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the introduction of dignitaries and a felicitation ceremony.
The Inaugural Address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, elaborated on the vision and objectives of NEP–2020.
He emphasised its significance in aligning higher education with societal needs, national priorities, and global standards, and highlighted the crucial role of teachers as key stakeholders in the effective implementation of the policy.
Prof. Desh Raj Thakur, Director, UGC-MMTTC, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, presented a comprehensive overview of the programme, outlining its objectives, structure, and expected learning outcomes.
He stated that the programme aims to sensitise faculty members and academic administrators to the philosophical foundations, implementation strategies, and societal impact of NEP–2020.
Earlier, Dr Sonam Joldan, Dean (Research), University of Ladakh, welcomed all the dignitaries and participants. In his welcome speech, Dr. Sonam Joldan underscored the importance of collaborative academic initiatives and highlighted the transformative role of NEP–2020 in promoting innovation, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary learning in higher education.
The programme has attracted enthusiastic participation from 205 participants representing several states and regions across the country, including Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and others, reflecting its wide national outreach and relevance.
The NEP–2020 Orientation and Sensitisation Programme will continue until December 30, 2025, featuring expert lectures, interactive sessions, and deliberations aimed at strengthening understanding and facilitating effective implementation of the National Education Policy across higher education institutions.
The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Shalini Kashmiria, Assistant Director, UGC-MMTTC, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, resource persons, collaborating institutions, and participants for their active support and participation.
Following the inaugural session, two academic sessions were conducted on the same day. The first session was delivered by Prof. Desh Raj Thakur on the topic “Higher Education and Society: An Overview.”
In his lecture, he highlighted the evolving role of higher education institutions in nation-building and social transformation, and emphasised the need to align academic practices with the broader objectives of NEP–2020.
The second session focused on “NEP-2020: Role of ICT in Teaching, Learning and Research,” and was delivered by Dr. Pramod Kumar, Professor, School of Education, Central University of Haryana.
During the session, he emphasized the growing significance of digital technologies, blended learning approaches, online platforms, and research innovations in enhancing the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of higher education in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy–2020.
