Hyderabad: Prof. Pankaj Arora, Chairperson, National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) described ITEP as a “game changer” for its well-crafted curriculum, which emphasizes child-centric education, Indian values, and tackling 21st-century challenges. He was speaking as the Chief Guest in the inaugural of Two-Day National Sensitization and Orientation Workshop on ITEP, NMM, and NPST at Maulana Azad National Urdu University. The workshop is being organized by NCTE in collaboration with MANUU’s School of Education and Training (SE&T). Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice Chancellor, MANUU presided over the programme.
Prof. Pankaj Arora spoke about the Higher Education Council’s goal to raise the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) across various disciplines. He highlighted ITEP as a flagship program and a testament to NEP 2020, emphasizing that a teacher’s humanitarian and empathetic qualities, rather than just their degree, are what truly earn a lasting place in students’ hearts. He also discussed forthcoming expansions in teacher education, including initiatives in yoga and art education, and stressed the critical role of open, distance, and digital platforms in boosting GER. He acknowledged MANUU as a leading institution in teacher education, and highlighted the need for teachers who are not only qualified and effective but also compassionate.
In his presidential address Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan shared his perspectives on the ITEP program and the broader field of teacher education. He highlighted the importance of the “Guru-Shishya” tradition and the lasting impact of teaching, noting that teachers never truly retire from their roles. Prof. Hasan reaffirmed the university’s dedication to the ITEP program and NEP, calling for the creation of an environment that mirrors the collective needs of society rather than focusing solely on individuals.
Prof. Ramamohana Rao, Chairman, APSCHE while discussing Education 5.0 emphasized the importance of balancing technological advancements with a personal, human touch in education. Prof. Meena Rajiv Chandawerker, Chairperson, SRC NCTE said that teachers should create environments that foster student success. She concluded by asserting that today’s youth will shape a better India.
Ms. Kesang Y. Sherpa, IRS, Member Secretary, NCTE delivered the inaugural address. She stressed that ITEP will create a paradigm shift in teacher education and highlighted the enrolment of students from various states across the nation at MANUU, which reflects national integration. Prof. Vanaja M., Dean, SE&T, MANUU delivered the welcome address, outlining the plans of the School of Education and Training and providing an overview of the ITEP objectives. The distinguished guests were then felicitated.
Prof. Shashikala Wanjari (VC, NIEPA), Prof. Indu Prasad (VC, Azim Premji University), Prof. Sudhakar V (EFLU, Retired), Shri. D. K. Chaturvedi (Convener, ITEP & NPST, NCTE), Shri. Abhimanyu Yadav (Convener, NMM, NCTE), Prof. Vandana Saxena (CIE, University of Delhi), Prof. Y. Sreekanth (Principal, RIE, Mysuru), Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed (Registrar, MANUU), Prof. Siddiqui Mohd. Mahmood (OSD II, MANUU), Prof. Shaheen A. Shaikh (Head, Department of Education and Training), and several other prominent figures in education and administration were also present.