Central University of Jammu and VBUSS jointly hosts a one day national symposium

JAMMU: The Department of Educational Studies, Central University of Jammu and Vidya Bharti Uchcha Shiksha Sansthan ((VBUSS) successfully organized  One Day National Symposium on “Shiksha Ka Bharatiya Marg: Lajja Ram Tomar  Ji  Ke Shaikshik Darshan Aur NEP 2020 Ka Samvad”. The event brought together distinguished stakeholders-faculty members, research scholars, and students from various universities and higher education institutions.

The event was graced by the presidential address given by the Chief Guest Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, CU Jammu. He highlighted the importance of integrating digital technology in education system along with Indian rootedness. Prof. Jain emphasized that such events aim to strengthen discourse around holistic, value-based, and culturally rooted education. He also emphasized upon the Panchpadi Vidhi and its necessity in Indian as well as global education.

The key speaker of the event was Sh. Sanjay Ji (Social thinker), who  deliberated on the importance of Panchpadi Shikshan  Vidhi   and its five steps Aditi, Bodh, Abhyas, Prayog and Prasar. He stressed that Sh. Lajja Ram Tomar Ji’s educational ideas serve as an inspirational pathway for promoting character formation, moral education, and humanistic values. He called upon the youth to enhance their engagements and participation in leading the country in right direction. He stressed that the vision of Lajja Ram Tomar Ji needs to be propagated in different schools of the region for which various activities will be organized in future involving all the stake holders.

The symposium was held under the patronage of Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, whose academic guidance and leadership played a vital role in shaping the event. The programme commenced at the Brig. Rajindra Singh Auditorium, DDE Building, CU Jammu, with the auspicious lighting of the ceremonial lamp followed by  Rashtriya Geet  “Vande Mataram”.

Earlier, the event was started with the display of documentary on life history and philosophy of Manishi Sh. Lajja Ram Tomar Ji followed by Prof. Asit K. Mantry, Head, and Department of Educational Studies, warmly welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. He highlighted the significance of integrating Bharatiya Gyan Parampara, Panchpadi Teaching Methodology of Shri Lajja Ram Tomar Ji, and the transformative vision of NEP 2020 in contemporary pedagogy. He emphasized that the symposium aims to strengthen discourse around holistic, value-based, and culturally rooted education.

The symposium was convened by Prof. J. N. Baliya, Department of Educational Studies, CU Jammu who is also the  Prant President of Vidya Bharti Uchcha Shiksha Sansthan ((VBUSS) , Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Prant. He elaborated on the need to revisit Indian educational thought in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. He emphasized upon the necessity of bringing back Bharatiyata in Education system of India through culturally rooted pedagogical practices.

He also called upon the heads of institutions, faculty members, scholars and students to deeply study the vision & philosophy of Sh. Lajja Ram Tomar Ji so that the recommendations of NEP 2020 could be implemented as reflected in the suggestions given by Lajja Ram Tomar Ji in his books. He informed that Vidya Bharati Uchcha Shiksha Sansthan (VBUSS) stands as a living example of this legacy. As an institution committed to higher education with Indian values at its core, VBUSS has taken forward Tomarji’s dream by integrating indigenous pedagogical models like Panchpadi Vidhi with contemporary educational practices.

The academic sessions included Plenary Sessions and Panel discussions featured insightful deliberations by the faculty team. Plenary session was chaired by Prof. Ritu Bakshi, Dean Student Welfare, CU Jammu. Sh. Amit Dogra (Principal, Sh Surajkund SVM Sunam Sangrur) deliberated upon the important role of teachers for the Panchkosha Vikas of students and Sh Pardeep  Singh Ji (Principal Vidhya Bharti School, Ramban) laid emphasis on the preparation of students for life  by using the  Panchpadi Padhati based lesson plans in classrooms.  Dr. Naresh Kumar (Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, CU Jammu) advocated the development of human values through Bharatiya Gyan parampara.

Dr. Kiran, Dr. Aman, Dr. Ravi Vanguri, Dr. Mohan Galgotra, Dr. Yad Ram and Dr. Ravail Parihar also contributed to panel discussions and interactive dialogues with participants. The Session is chaired by Dr. Rakesh Bharti and Dr. shalini Rana, Govt. College of Education Jammu. In light of this, research scholars Mr. Sourabh Sharma, Ms. Minakshi, Ms. Malika and Ms.Sonali Sagotra actively presented their views regarding how Indian traditional knowledge and Panchpadi Shikshan Vidhi  can be integrated into modern classrooms  during Panel discussion chaired by Dr. Aman. Finally, Sh Sunil Chalotra Ji (Training Department, Vidya Bharti) emphasized the training of teachers and scholars in Panchpadi Vidhi for effective implementation of NEP 2020.  Earlier, the Ekal Geet was presented by Ms. Sonia Dogra and Ms. Rubina Jamwal mesmerized all guests present over there. The whole event was anchored by Ms. Parinka Sharma.

The symposium provided a vibrant platform for meaningful academic exchange, encouraging participants to reflect on Indian pedagogical heritage and its relevance to modern educational reforms. During the event, a comprehensive exhibition was also organized where various books on Sh Lajja Ram Tomar Ji were displayed. Chief Guest and other dignitaries were honoured and the event was concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks by Prof. J.N. Baliya acknowledging the efforts of the organizing committee, dignitaries, and all participants who contributed to making the program a scholarly success.