Srinagar, July 25 (KNS) : To bring the desired transformation in academic curriculum through NEP 2020, the weeklong workshop on 'Physics Curriculum Development' (CCD) began on Monday at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.

The workshop is being organized by PG Department of Physics and the inaugural function of program was presided over by Director NIT, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal, who was the chief patron on the occasion.

Registrar NIT, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari, Dean R&C, Prof. MF Wani and Dean Academics, Prof. Najeeb-ud-Din are patrons of the workshop.

Addressing the gathering, Director NIT, Prof. Sehgal said such workshops on curriculum are need of the hour. They have multiple benefits and are vital for achieving long-term goals of New Education Policy 2020," he said.

Director NIT welcomed the guests and appreciated the Physics Department for taking a lead role in revamping the curriculum of Physics at NIT Srinagar. He also emphasized that there should be multiple entry-exit options besides the introduction of new and applied courses.

"Our Physics department is the first in Jammu and Kashmir to roll out NEP- 2020 from the academic session 2022 onward, under the visionary leadership of Prof Shah, Head Department of Physics. It is a positive beginning and we will provide every support for establishment of laboratories," he said.

In his message, Institute's Registrar, Prof. Kaiser Bukhari said NEP 2020 is a revolutionary initiative undertaken by the government of India for a complete overhaul in higher education. 

He said NEP, 2020 is student-oriented and aims at the holistic development of students to create better citizens with high ethical and moral standards apart from subject knowledge. It is a tool to transform the country into a ‘knowledge destination’, Prof. Bukhari said.

Appreciating Dr Shah for his efforts in making the curriculum framework robust and marketable at right time, he said.

Eminent experts have been invited for mind-blowing discussions and suggestions. This will also include rigorous discussions with various stakeholders, students, local experts including the external experts from IITs and Heads of Departments, for both undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum.

Prof. Dinesh Pandaya, Adjunct Faculty, IIT Jammu, Prof. P.K. Raina, Former Head Physics, IIT Ropar, Prof. G A Harman, Dean R & C, Prof. Ghulam Qadir Sofi, Ex- Principal Amar Singh College were present during the inauguration of the academic event.

 Dr. M A Shah, Head PG Department of Physics welcomed the Director, eminent experts, guests, and the Faculty for joining the event and for becoming part of it.

Dr Shah assured that major focus will be on promoting critical thinking, goodbye to rote learning, innovation, and creativity to enable the use and promotion of higher order thinking skills.

Prof. G A Harmain too lauded the role of HOD Physics M. A. Shah for taking such an initiative first of its kind and stated that they expect a seamless Curriculum at the end of the workshop.

Prof. Dinesh Pandya who was online from the USA made many suggestions including removal of a portion of the syllabus which is being taught in U.G programmes in Physics.

Prof.  Raina from IIT Ropar in his speech said that the world is running fast and we need to keep pace with the world. Dr. Ghulam Qadir Sofi who has been a special invitee has gone through the Curriculum frame-work.

In his speech, HOD Physics Dr. Shah said they are the first to revamp the curriculum in tune with NEP-2020.  The aim is to harness full human potential and develop well-rounded individuals by providing the right environment to enable access to inclusive and quality education, he said.

"This new education policy has provision for awareness of new areas of knowledge, skilling to meet industrial demands for economic development, lifelong learning, and multidisciplinary studies to develop a comprehensive view of issues and moral values.

Dr. Shah said all parameters have been taken into consideration and hoped at the end of the workshop the output will be exciting and fantastic. This framework is formulated with a student-centric approach and provides flexibility in terms of choice of disciplines of study, he said.

Prof. M. Ikram, Prof. S. Rubab, Prof. P.A Ganaie are the advisors of the workshop, Dr. Harkirat Singh, Dr. Vijay Kumar, and Dr. M. Zubair are the coordinators of the program.

The assistance of Mr. Gh Qadir, Mr N Dubey and Mr Tasadaq is extraordinary while the cooperation of colleagues is praiseworthy. The staff of HoD physics has been extending support in making the event fruitful and purposeful.

In this five-day workshop, one session is for College teachers whereas one is dedicated to PG students of the valley. Suggestions, if anyone wishes to send can be through mail at shahji@nitsri.ac.in. We are flexible and shall incorporate suggestions from all stakeholders.(KNS)