KISS Deemed to be University organized a webinar on ‘The Educational Thoughts of Pandit Gopabandhu Das & Its Relevance in National Education Policy, 2020’ on 9th October 2020. The new policy, the first policy of the 21st century, strives to address growing imperatives of our country. The meet aimed to deliberate how the philosophy and educational thoughts of visionary Pandit Gopabandhu Das and the National Education Policy are in sync.
Speaking at the webinar, Professor Gouranga Charan Nanda, Former Head of the Department of Education, Ravenshaw University said “The new policy reflects the vision and mission of Pandit Gopabandhu Das. The idea of holistic education embraces the concept of mind, body and soul. Both the foundation stone of Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya and the new policy have respect for local context and flavour, which includes education in local language and mother tongue”.
“Focus should be on local text-books and pedagogies. We see education as a right, irrespective of the economic background of the students. The energy of the teachers should be driven towards achieving conceptual understanding and furnishing learner-centric education. The concepts of peer-education, mentoring and class monitors have stood the test of time”, he stated. Prof. Nanda also asserted that reviving the Gurukul system is the need of the hour. Experiential learning, ICT and the spirit of volunteering play an important role in solving all the problems, he added.
Throwing light on the National Education Policy-2020, Professor Sasmita Samanta, Vice-Chancellor In-charge, KISS-DU said that this is the first policy which stayed in the public domain for a very long time. “The new policy has been appreciated by the people from all walks of life. The execution and implementation of the new policy should not be a problem because this policy has put three vital aspects under one bracket – autonomy, inclusion and accessibility. It is a perfect amalgamation of analytical and critical work and focuses on the multidisciplinary aspect” she said. The alumni of KIIT and KISS are placed in 85 countries who have shouldered the responsibility of transforming the society by taking up social issues, she informed, adding that the ultimate purpose of education is to find the supreme self.
Professor Basanta Kumar Panda, Director, Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Odia spoke about teaching philosophy and the role of education as liberator. He talked about the history of NEP and underlined the need for newness in the education system. “The 2020 policy is a breath of fresh air as it addresses cognitive development. I am elated to see that KISS is marching in the right direction as it is working on girl child education and possesses foresight”, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Harekrishna Satapathy, Advisor, KISS-DU touched the concept of reform, transform and perform as reflected in the National Policy as well as 5Ts of the Government of Odisha. Taking cue from previous speakers, he cited references on how KIIT and KISS are fulfilling the philosophy of Pandit Gopabandhu Das and National Education Policy. “The objective of education is to stand on one’s feet and encourage budding entrepreneurs and infuse patriotism in young minds”, he added.
Earlier, Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar, KISS-DU spoke about the relevance of organizing a webinar on this topic. He said, “The Gopabandhu Research Chair was set-up at KISS-DU to carry forward the ideologies, principles and philosophy of Pandit Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das. This was conceived so that research on the works and life of the great son of the soil continues. KISS has been translating the dreams of the legend into reality since its inception in 1992-93. The Founder of KIIT and KISS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta has been working for the empowerment of deprived children and created an arena where all the developmental issues are addressed through the policy of 2020”.
Professor Harish Chandra Sahoo, Research Chair Professor, on behalf of the entire KISS fraternity and the organizing team, proposed the vote of thanks.