“Teachers need to have an integrated approach towards education and holistic student development, as envisioned by National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These days, the students have more information than teachers. Thus, we need to give them what they don’t have, that is knowledge, maturity, experience and guidance. We are evolving; MOOC courses and OTTs are to stay. We need to inculcate the mindset for research, innovation and startups, said Prof. K.G Suresh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Mass Communication, Bhopal.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-week capacity-building program, organized by the University School of Mass Communication (USMC) at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. The program is sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR, Govt. of India). He emphasized the significance of upskilling and ideation among students while cautioning against allowing technology to dictate educational priorities.

Padmashri Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of GGSIPU emphasised the need for more of such collaborations, wherein the exchange of ideas can happen. He stressed on mutual learning, by engaging such profound experts from the field.

The event was further enriched by the presence of esteemed Guests of Honour, Dr. Sutapa. B. Neogi, Director of the International Institute of Health Management Research, Delhi, and Prof. B. Shadrach, Director at the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia. Dr. Shadrach offered illuminating perspectives on the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, underscoring the essential parameters of a developed nation including quality of life, GDP/GPR, per capita income, and the imperative of robust infrastructure. Dr. Neogi emphasized the need for a balanced approach to technological advancement, advocating for interdisciplinary research as a cornerstone of NEP 2020.

Around 30 participants were selected from the 350 papers received. The welcome address of the session was given by Prof. A.K Saini, Dean of the University School of Mass Communication, GGSIP University. Course coordinators of the event, Dr. Durgesh Tripathi, Associate Professor, USMC, GGSIPU, and Dr. Sachin Bharti, Assistant Professor, USMC, GGSIP University were also present.

In the upcoming days, the resource persons for the programme will be from the renowned institutions and universities like JNU, Delhi School of economics, BITS Pilani, K. K Birla, Goa. The participants selected for the programme from across India belonging to prestigious institutions like BHU, Banaras, IIT Delhi, University of Delhi, Vellore Institute of Technology and various other eminent universities including esteemed faculty members, professionals, and research scholars. It represents a significant milestone in fostering dialogue and collaboration towards the realization of the objectives outlined in NEP 2020 and the collective vision of a prosperous India by 2047.

Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma along with Prof. K.G Suresh, Dr. Sutapa. B. Neogi, Dr. Shadrach, Prof. A.K Saini and others

Prof. K.G Suresh being felicitated by Prof. A.K Saini