BATHINDA: The Department of Mass Communication and Media Studies of Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CUPB) organized a Webinar on “Role of Media in the implementation of National Education Policy (N.E.P.) 2020” under the patronage of honourable Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari. On this occasion, Prof. Sanjay Dwivedi, Director-General, Indian Institute of Mass Communication was the keynote speaker.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. V.K. Garg, Dean School of Information & Communication Studies and Dean Student Welfare. In his speech, Prof. Garg expressed that Prof. Dwivedi is a multifaceted personality and has vast experience in the field of Journalism & Media Education. While putting a light on the topic of Webinar Prof. Garg steered the discussion by stating that media is the fourth pillar of democracy and can play a crucial in the successful implementation of NEP-2020.
Keynote Speaker Prof. Sanjay Dwivedi mentioned that people of India live in metalinguistic & multicultural society and NEP-2020 focuses on promoting value-based education, developing scientific temperament, and producing global citizen who would adopt innovative strategies of sustainable development and work towards Atam-Nirbhar Bharat. He expressed his firm belief that media can spread awareness about various aspects of NEP-2020 diverse sections of society and engage people’s participation for its effective implementation. While briefing on the various innovative reforms on NEP-2020, he opined that media journalists should read the complete draft of NEP-2020 and write a series of news stories/articles on the future societal impact of innovative reforms such as Right to Education from 3 to 18 years, education in mother tongue till 5th standard, vocational skill development for students from 6th Class onwards, interdisciplinary education at the secondary level, the introduction of progress based evaluation system, integrated course systems with multiple entries & exit points in higher education etc. He stated that awareness of these reforms of NEP-2020 at grass-root level would ensure access of opportunities to everyone.
During his address, Prof. Dwivedi stated that media plays the vital role of watchdog in our society and to make NEP-2020 successful; media have to play the role of catalyst for government & administration by publishing regular updates related to gap identification, stakeholder’s feedback and academicians concerns during its implementation phase. He urged media journalists and educationists to organize maximum discussion programmes with the use of new media technologies & invite responses of youngsters both by online and offline modes. He concluded his lecture with the message that NEP-2020 imbibes the ideology of Swami Vivekananda ji to create responsible society by focusing on Man Making through skill development & Character Making through value-based education, and realization of this dream can be possible with effective implementation by spreading awareness of all imperatives of NEP-2020 on all mediums of communication so that no one would be left alone in darkness & ignorance.
Dr Rubal Kanozia, Programme Coordinator and moderator, thanked the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor for his guidance to select a relevant topic of this Webinar.
K.P.S. Mundra, the Registrar, expressed his gratitude towards all the guests, and dignitaries who were present during this Webinar.
The programme commenced by reciting University. Kulgeet and concluded with the singing of National Anthem.
Prof. S.K. Bawa, Director, IQAC, Prof. R.K. Wusirika, Dean In-charge, Academics, Prof. Anjana Munshi, Dean of Research, CUPB faculty members, staff members and students of the University were present during the Webinar.