The Department of Sports, KIIT Deemed to be University and KISS Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar organized a webinar on ‘NEP 2020, Sports Integration and Future Roadmap for Education in India’ on 8th August, 2020.
Sports directors from different universities, faculty and PE teachers from different institutions, including KVS, international athletes like Dutee Chand, Amiya Mallick, Purnima Hembram, Jauna Murmu, Shriyanka Sadangi and Rutaparna Panda, senior coaches from SAI and State Government, sports administrators and teachers, members from National Sports Federations, players and students joined the webinar.
Terming NEP 2020 as a welcome change, Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary-General, Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi underscored the importance of integration of sports in the curriculum, multiple entry and exit and academic bank of credits. Prof. (Dr.) Jayashree Acharya, Dean, National Sports University, Imphal highlighted how implementation will be a major test to show if the transformational changes envisaged by 2020 are actualized. She also pointed out the nuances of distinction between sports and physical education.
Dr. Payoshni Mitra, Researcher and Social Activist, UK appreciated the anti-harassment and diversity that the NEP 2020 unfolds, but underscored the importance of critical thinking, which, she said, is missing in the NEP 2020. Mrs. Suvasri Das, Columnist, The Samaj, IT Professional, US recounted her children’s experience with sports integration in America.
Prof. Achyuta Samanta, MP, Lok Sabha and Founder, KIIT & KISS explained the significance of sports, which has been highlighted in the NEP 2020. The trajectory of KIIT & KISS has always focused on a perfect mix of academics and sports. Prof. (Dr.) Sasmita Samanta, Pro-Vice Chancellor, KIIT Deemed to be University emphasized on a degree based on sports as a way to motivate the youth to take up sports in an academically driven world.
Dr. Gaganendu Das, Director-Sports, KIIT & KISS proposed the vote of thanks.