JAMMU: A two-day ICSSR-sponsored national seminar on “Emerging Fields in Education Research: Shaping Future Directions with NEP 2020” concluded at MIER College of Education (Autonomous), bringing together prominent educationists, policymakers, scholars, faculty members, and students from across Jammu & Kashmir and various parts of the country.
Prof. Santosh Panda, Former Chairperson, NCTE, New Delhi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Dr Renu Gupta, Chairperson, MIER Group of Institutions, was the Guest of Honour.
The event was also attended by Mrs Rupa Gupta, Joint Director MIER; Prof. Mool Raj, Controller of Examinations; Dr Monika Bakaj, Head SSSH; and other noted dignitaries.
The seminar aimed to provide a common academic platform to discuss innovations, evolving trends, and contemporary challenges in education research aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Focus on Innovation, Technology & Holistic Learning
Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Adit Gupta, Director & Principal, MIER College of Education, highlighted India’s ongoing educational transformation under NEP-2020. He stressed the importance of innovation, interdisciplinarity, inclusivity, and a learner-centric approach in reimagining pedagogy, assessments, teacher education, and technology integration.
Seminar Convener Prof. Nishta Rana, Head School of Education, MIER, outlined the thematic priorities of the event including digital education, experiential and skill-based learning, social-emotional learning, cyber safety, global citizenship, ethics, and responsible use of technology.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Santosh Panda discussed transformative reforms introduced by NEP-2020 in higher education—such as multidisciplinary learning, academic mobility, outcome-based education, and pedagogical innovation. He underscored digital transformation through AI, blended learning, Open Educational Practices, and bridging the digital divide, while emphasising future-ready skills and Indian Knowledge Systems.
Expert Talks & Paper Presentations
Three keynote sessions were delivered by esteemed scholars:
- Prof. Niradhar Dey (IGNOU, New Delhi) – “NEP 2020 and Bridging the Digital Divide”
- Prof. Kaushal Kishore (Head, Dept. of Educational Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) – “Holistic Development of Learners: Vision of NEP 2020”
- Prof. J.N. Baliya (Central University of Jammu) – “Heartware Before Hardware: Balancing Technology and Humanity Through SEL”
Prof. Panda also conducted an interactive session on ‘Considerations Towards Publishing in High-Impact Journals’.
Around 60 research papers were presented in blended mode during multiple technical sessions, chaired by eminent academicians and supported by rapporteurs from MIER.
Panel Discussion on AI in Education
A thought-provoking panel discussion marked the conclusion of the seminar. The panel included:
- Prof. Kaushal Kishore – Jamia Millia Islamia
- Dr Pramod Srivastava – Principal, Model Academy School, Jammu
- Mr Arindam Roy Chaudhary – Principal, G.D. Goenka Public School, Jammu
- Mrs Rohini Aima – Vice Chairperson, Jammu Sanskriti School
Moderated by Prof. Adit Gupta, the discussion centred around “Artificial Intelligence in Education: Accelerating the Realisation of NEP 2020 Goals” — at the intersection of personalised learning, competency-based assessment, teacher empowerment, AI ethics, and governance.
Dr Bharti Tandon, Associate Professor & Deputy Head, School of Education, conducted the programme and presented a formal vote of thanks.
