Department of Educational Studies, Central University of Jammu, inaugurated a two-day National Seminar on “Indigenous Languages and NEP 2020: Pathways to Sustainable Education”, sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The seminar was held under the visionary leadership of Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, and witnessed the participation of eminent academicians, researchers and policymakers from across the country. The inaugural session commenced with the felicitation of distinguished guests, followed by a welcome address by Prof. Asit K Mantry, highlighting the significance of indigenous languages in shaping a sustainable education system in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Prof. K Pushpanadham, Head of the Department of Educational Administration, MS University Baroda, Keynote speaker in the event, emphasized the role of indigenous languages in fostering inclusive and holistic education. He also elaborated on the transformative potential of NEP 2020 in promoting multilingualism and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems in mainstream education. He reiterated the importance of research and policy-driven approaches in revitalizing indigenous languages and ensuring their transmission to future generations.
Under the shared able guidance of Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Jammu, the seminar commenced with the commitment of the university towards preserving linguistic diversity and promoting sustainable educational practices. Prof. Suram Singh, Dean Academics Central University of Jammu, in the capacity of the Chief Guest of the event shed light on the emphasis of local language in NEP 2020. He also asserted that language plays a crucial role in forming the culture of the region and both are interlinked. A significant highlight of the event was the release of the abstract book, which comprised scholarly contributions on the seminar’s theme.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks from Prof. J. N. Baliya who expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, participants, and organizing committee for their invaluable contributions to the success of the seminar. Prof. Ramanujam Meghnathan, NCERT, New Delhi, Prof. Rajeev Rattan Sharma, Dean and Head Faculty of Education, University of Jammu, Prof. Vandana Sharma, Dean School of Languages, Central University of Jammu, Prof. Ritu Bakshi, DSW, Central University of Jammu, Prof. Niranjana Bhandari, Head CCRC, Prof. Neelika Arora, Dr. K. Rajesh Kumar, Dr. Neeta Rani, Dr. Nancy Mengi, Dr. Ranjeet K. Raman, Dr. R. Sudhakar, Dr. Naresh Kumar, Dr. Farooq, Dr. Kiran, Dr. Aman, Dr. Yad Ram, Dr. Mohan, Mr. Rawail Parihar, Dr. Arushi Baloria, Ms. Shivali Khajuria, Mr. Arvind Kumar, and Dr. Disha Sharma attended the session. The seminar promised to provide a dynamic platform for discourse on the intersection of indigenous languages, education, and policy, reinforcing the vision of NEP 2020 towards an inclusive, equitable and sustainable educational ecosystem. The deliberations over two days generated insightful perspectives, paving the way for actionable recommendations to strengthen indigenous language preservation and integration within the national education framework.