Dimapur, Nagaland – April 27,2024: Bosco College of Teacher Education and Salesian College of Higher Education, Dimapur, Nagaland, jointly organized a two-day International Seminar on “Equity and Inclusivity in School Education with Reference to NEP 2020” sponsored by the ICSSR New Delhi. The seminar, held on 26th and 27th April, aimed at fostering discussions among educators, researchers, policymakers, and teacher trainees on crucial aspects of inclusivity and equity in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Comprising of an inaugural session, a plenary session, four technical sessions, and a valedictory program, the seminar attracted diverse audience of delegates, faculty members, research scholars and teacher trainees.
The seminar commenced with the inaugural session chaired by Ms. Athunglo Humtsoe, Assistant Professor Bosco College. The invocation was led by Rhian H Zhimo, fourth-semester student. Dr. Fr. Jose Joseph Sabu, Principal of Bosco College of Teacher Education, extended a warm welcome to the invited guests and the attendees, emphasizing the significance of the seminar’s theme in shaping the future of education.
The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Buno Liegise, Professor & Head, Dept. of Education, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema, Kohima, Nagaland. Prof. Liegise highlighted the importance of equity and inclusivity in education and its alignment with the objectives of NEP 2020. She further emphasised the need to help students to develop critical thinking and divergent thinking.
Professor G.N. Tiwari, Professor and Head of the Department of Teacher Education at Nagaland University’s Kohima Campus in Meriema, Nagaland, illustrated the concept of inclusion during his exhortation. Drawing upon an analogy, he likened the inclusion to receiving a bouquet containing a variety of flowers. He emphasized, that inclusion entails celebrating the diversity present, much like the assortment of flowers within a bouquet.
Top of Form
Professor (Dr.) Sr. Marion Mathew C.J, Professor and Dean, Allahabad School of Education, Prayagraj (Allahabad) SHUATS, UP, delivered the keynote address centered on the theme ” Harmony in Diversity: Crafting an Inclusive Tapestry of Education with NEP 2020.” Dr. Sr. Marion Mathew offered a comprehensive overview of NEP 2020, giving attendees a broad perspective on its implications. Drawing from her wealth of experience in the field, she provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with achieving equity and inclusivity in school education.
Dr. Esaya Britto Raphael, Head of the Teaching and Learning Unit at the English Language Institute, Jazan University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led the plenary session via video conference as the international speaker. He shared insights on “Facilitating Skill Development and Best Practices in Classroom,” stressing its relevance in the 21st century and advocating for equity and inclusivity in education. He explored the importance of flexible curriculum frameworks to accommodate diverse learning needs, citing his institute’s “We Care Program” for students with special needs. This was followed by research paper presentations by various scholars and speakers in two parallel sessions.
The second day of the seminar began with the technical sessions. There were over 40 research papers presented. The valedictory function was held in the main hall, conducted by Ms. Lovely Sarkar, Assistant Professor Bosco College. In his valedictory speech, Dr M. Rajendra Nath Babu, Associate Professor, Department of Education, Nagaland University, highlighting the importance of inclusive education and the challenges faced in implementing it in the schools. He stressed the need for specialized teacher training, particularly in North East India.
Prof. (Dr.) Sr. Marion Mathew C.J, lauded the seminar’s collaborative efforts and its role in promoting equity and inclusivity in education. She urged participants to continue advocating marginalized communities, emphasizing the power of collective action in effecting meaningful change. The certificate distribution to the paper presenters was supervised by Dr. Prarthana Bauruah, Assistant Professor at Bosco College. Dr. M. Poonrani, Assistant Professor Bosco College of Teacher Education proposed the vote of thanks. The seminar came to a fitting conclusion with a thanksgiving prayer led by Ms. Novitoli Shohe, 4th Semester student of the college.
