Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, DD, To mark the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Learners Ability Management Programme (LAMP), organized a vibrant national-level webinar titled “By the Youth, For the Youth, and of the Youth”. The event celebrated the spirit of NEP 2020 by foregrounding the voices, aspirations, and perspectives of young learners across the country.
The session commenced with an invocation and a soulful rendition of a Gandhi Bhajan by Senorita, setting a reflective and participative tone for the proceedings.
Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Prof. Rai emphasized the need for authentic implementation of NEP 2020, particularly in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Drawing from Acharya Vinoba Bhave’s Thoughts on Education (1959), he underlined the enduring relevance of integrating traditional wisdom with modern innovation. He also highlighted key initiatives launched at the University in alignment with the NEP, including the Gyanodaya Express, Design Your Degree, Five-Year Integrated PG Programme in Mathematical Sciences, Utsah Clubs, and the inclusion of local farmers and gardeners as knowledge contributors—reflecting the university’s inclusive and community-driven educational model.
The event was anchored by Dr. Ana Bali, Lecturer, Department of Education, while Ms. Kajal Kalsi, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, delivered the welcome address. Prof. Rahul Gupta, Rector, Bhaderwah Campus, offered insightful reflections on NEP implementation at the institutional level.
A central highlight of the event was a dynamic youth-led panel discussion featuring postgraduate and B.Ed. students from the University’s Department of Education and Bhaderwah Campus. The discussion focused on three core areas of the NEP-School Education: Kuldeep, Khushi, Priyanshi, Ananya, Higher Education: Sneha Bharti, Iqra, Priya, Bindu, Rashi Sudan
Teacher Education: Staphy Graph, Sabiha Kousar, Sheetal, Tuyiba, Ahrar Ganai
These young panelists brought forward thoughtful, experience-based reflections, demonstrating their deep engagement with the policy’s core principles of equity, quality, innovation, and lifelong learning. Their contributions embodied NEP 2020’s vision of nurturing creative, critical, and independent thinkers prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Prof. (Dr.) Renu Nanda, Dean, Faculty of Education and Patron of the LAMP initiative at the University of Jammu, delivered the concluding remarks. She applauded the collaborative spirit of the event and emphasized the importance of empowering youth through active dialogue and engagement with transformative policies like the NEP.
The webinar witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, scholars, and educational leaders from across the country. Institutions represented included GDC Bani, GDC Bhaderwah, GDC Anantnag, GDC Kunjwani, GDC Majalta, Shantiniketan Bal Bhavan, Vidyanjali Volunteers, Khalsa College of Education, Sai Sham College of Education, CRC Jammu, Central University of Ladakh, Central University of Arunachal Pradesh, Cluster University of Jammu, University of Jammu, GDC Kathua, as well as students and research scholars from various departments and colleges.DD
